Eye movement auditory biofeedback therapy for nystagmus: past, present and future

Nystagmus is a common clinically-observed oculomotor abnormality involving both sensory and motor systems. Over the past several years, methods have been devised to aid in control and treatment of nystagmus, but none have had wide appeal. After-image training, which allows the patient to use visual feedback to monitor changes in eye position and velocity directly and thereby improve fixation ability, has met with moderate success. Orthoptic therapy has improved visual function in some cases. The technique of instructing patients to "hold the eye steady" rather than to "fixate accurately" while looking at a target has resulted in reduced nystagmus in some patients. Abadi et al. [1980] reported reduction of nystagmus and improvement of contrast sensitivity in three patients after 6 months of home auditory oculomotor biofeedback training. In the present paper, I will review the results of some of our group investigations, as well as individual case studies.