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Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

Here’s why Queens and Nassau County pediatricians regularly send their patients to The Pediatric Eye Center and our young patients’ parents often tell their families, friends, and business associates about their positive eye care experiences with us:

Expertise You Can Count On

Since 1999, Dr. Eric Lichtenstein has provided exceptional pediatric eye care to tens of thousands of children across the tri-state area. With over 25 years of surgical and clinical experience, he combines advanced medical training with warmth, approachability, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right for each child.

Appointments That Put Kids at Ease

Dr. Lichtenstein knows that great eye care starts with a great experience. He tailors each visit to the child’s age and personality—whether it’s toys and silly songs for toddlers or a more low-key, respectful approach for teens. He meets kids where they are, which makes visits smoother for everyone involved.

Honest Communication That Builds Trust

Dr. Lichtenstein believes that transparency and trust are essential to successful outcomes. He takes the time to explain findings, treatment options, and next steps in a way that’s clear for both parents and children. Questions are always welcome, and decisions are made together—with your child’s long-term health in mind.

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What Is Pediatric Nystagmus?

Nystagmus refers to involuntary, rhythmic eye movements that most commonly presents at or shortly after birth. While it can look alarming to parents, it’s not always a sign of serious disease. That said, nystagmus does interfere with visual clarity - and many babies learn that placing their head into an abnormal position will makes things more clear.

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“Amazing doctor. He was great with my daughter. He made her feel comfortable. She was smiling the whole time and didn’t cry at all. Great experience!!!”

Diana Kalendareva

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Common Types of Nystagmus

Infantile Idiopathic Nystagmus

This typically emerges by six weeks to three months of age, and is most commonly a side-to-side movement. This nystagmus is less pronounced when looking at near objects, so near vision is better than far. While most of these children have (at least somewhat) reduced vision, some see 20/20.

Acquired Nystagmus

This type appears later, often between six months and early school age, and may be linked to an underlying neurologic or sensory issue.

Spasmus Nutans

The worst-sounding, least dangerous eye disease. Spasmus nutans (SN) means that a neurologically normal infant has:

  • An asymmetric small movement nystagmus: one eye moves more and faster
  • Head bobbing
  • An abnormal head posture (AHP) in the first year of life

Associated with Albinism

The very first part of the body to develop pigment is the eye, at about 3 weeks of gestation.   If there is an problem with pigmentation, the retina (back of the eye) and optic nerve develop abnormally, and this leads to nystagmus.  Visual acuity varies for people with albinism/albinoidism.   Some have poor vision and others are 20/20.

Acquired Nystagmus

Any nystagmus that appears after the first 3-4 months of life is, by definition, "acquired."   There are many potential causes of acquired strabismus, but some of the more common causes are neurological disease, vision loss, inner ear problems, and medications.

Signs Parents Should Look For

If your child has nystagmus, you may notice their eyes “shaking” or drifting and snapping back in a repeated rhythm.

These movements can be:

  • Horizontal (side-to-side)
  • Vertical (up and down)
  • Circular (rotational)

Some children may also show signs of visual discomfort, light sensitivity, head tilting, or difficulty maintaining steady focus. Older kids may complain of blurry or “shaky” vision, balance challenges, or trouble with night vision.

I love how he treated the kids like it's their appointment and not the parents’.

Dr. E. is the sweetest and kindest pediatric ophthalmologist I've ever met.

... an excellent eye doctor, incredibly friendly and patient with my little one, making the entire visit smooth and stress-free.

Dr. Lichtenstein is the best! He’s funny, kind, and really knows his craft.

The best doctor I have ever seen.

The best doctor solved my son’s problem with patience and care.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Eric A. Lichtenstein for the exceptional care provided...

...I have nothing but kind things to say.

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The Effects of Nystagmus

  • Reduced vision 
  • Taking longer to understand what's being looked at
  • Abnormal head positioning
  • Poor self-esteem and sometimes shame in older children and adults

What Can Cause Nystagmus?

  • Certain eye disorders 
  • Brain or eye development problems (infants and young children)
  • Very poor vision
  • Retina or optic nerve disorders
  • Head or eye trauma 
  • Specific types of medications
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How Is Nystagmus Diagnosed?

Dr. Lichtenstein performs a comprehensive, child-friendly eye exam that includes pupil dilation, refraction, and looking for associated conditions like strabismus or optic nerve abnormalities.  Every diagnosis is made with precision and explained clearly to parents, without sensationalism or ambiguity.

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Nystagmus Treatment Options in Queens & Nassau County

While nystagmus isn’t always “curable,” there are highly effective ways to improve a child’s vision and quality of life. Dr. Lichtenstein creates an individualized care plan based on your child’s specific condition, age, and long-term needs.

Prescription Eyeglasses

If a child has a refractive error, glasses may improve vision and reduce the eye movements. In some cases, prism lenses can minimize the effort required for steady focus.

Eye Muscle Surgery

For children with a pronounced “null point” (a head position where nystagmus lessens), surgical repositioning of the eye muscles can reduce the degree of the nystagmus and allow for a normal head position. There are also surgeries that reduce the degree of nystagmus such that the person will recognize things more quickly.   Most of the time, nystagmus surgery will not significantly improve central acuity (eye test vision).  Dr. Lichtenstein has decades of experience in pediatric eye muscle surgery and offers this option with care, precision, and follow-through.

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Why Choose Dr. Eric Lichtenstein for Infant Nystagmus Surgery in Queens & Nassau County?

At The Pediatric Eye Center, you’ll find more than advanced diagnostics—you’ll find a physician who listens, explains, and follows through. Dr. Eric Lichtenstein is a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist with more than 25 years of experience treating tens of thousands of complex pediatric eye conditions, including nystagmus. His clinical focus is matched by a rare ability to connect with children and reassure families at every step.

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Schedule an Evaluation Today

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lichtenstein for infant nystagmus treatment in Queens & Nassau County, we invite you to call (929) 588-8570 today. As a fully independent practice, our loyalty is to one thing only: your child’s best interest.

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Trusted by Pediatricians. Chosen by Families.

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