Nystagmus is when the eyes move rapidly and it cannot be controlled. Eyes can move side to side, up and down, or in a circular motion. There are two types of nystagmus: congenital and acquired. Congenital nystagmus starts in infancy. Acquired nystagmus happens later in life. Some cases of acquired nystagmus can be corrected. This is usually true if a medical problem or drug or alcohol abuse cause the nystagmus. However, nystagmus is often permanent. Treatments that can help control nystagmus symptoms include glasses or contact lenses or eye muscle surgery.