Congenital forms of nystagmus

Congenital benign forms of nystagmus have to be recognized and distinguished from acquired forms caused by neurologic lesions, in order to avoid unnecessary investigations. This distinction can usually be made on clinical grounds. Congenital forms of nystagmus include idiopathic infantile, ocular (most commonly associated with albinism, macular or optic nerve hypoplasia, and congenital retinal dystrophies) and latent nystagmus of the congenital esotropia. At the end of the session, participants should be able to identify these specific forms of nystagmus.