Can Astigmatism Cause Nystagmus?

Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) is not perfectly round, causing blurring or distortion of images. Nystagmus, on the other hand, refers to an involuntary spasm or twitching of the eye muscles, which can cause rapid and uncontrollable movements of the eyes. 

Astigmatism can result in difficulties with depth perception, headaches, and eye strain. It can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Nystagmus, on the other hand, may be caused by neurological or genetic conditions and may result in vision problems. 

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medication, corrective lenses, or surgery. Both astigmatism and nystagmus can affect a person’s vision and quality of life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, significant improvements can often be made.

Although there is no clear connection between nystagmus and astigmatism, there are some instances where the two may be related. One such instance is when astigmatism is brought on by an underlying ailment such as keratoconus, a deteriorating eye disorder, which could also cause nystagmus. 

FeatureAstigmatismNystagmus
DefinitionBlurred vision due to the irregular shape of the corneaEye movement disorder resulting in involuntary eye movements
CauseIrregular shape of the cornea or lensNeurological or genetic condition
SymptomsBlurred or distorted images, eye strain, headachesInvoluntary eye movements, reduced vision, balance and coordination issues
DiagnosisEye exam with refraction test and corneal topographyEye exam with pupil testing and eye movement recordings
TreatmentCorrective lenses, surgery, or LASIKMedications, vestibular therapy, or surgery depending on the cause
PrognosisGood with proper treatmentVaried depending on the underlying condition
Astigmatism and nystagmus are two conditions that affect the eyes in different ways. Here is a comparison table of their differences.
Reyus Mammadli/ author of the article

I’m the author and editor of this health blog, active since 2008. With a background in medical and biotechnical devices, I focus on making health and self-care topics—especially in ophthalmology—clear and accessible.

Although I’m not a licensed physician, I’ve spent over 15 years working with medical literature and guidelines, with particular attention to trusted ophthalmic sources such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute, and PubMed. I also follow the latest updates in diagnostics and treatment technologies.

My aim is to help readers better understand eye diseases, tests, and treatment options—so they can feel more confident when consulting a doctor.

Note: This blog does not provide medical diagnoses or treatments. It offers clear, reliable health information to support informed conversations with healthcare professionals.