Ocular Torticollis

Torticollis is a persistent tipping and or turning of the head, and when it is done to prevent double vision or blurring it is called ocular torticollis. The two most common causes are nystagmus, which is a rhythmic back-and-forth eye jerking, and some forms of strabismus where the alignment of the eyes is better in some directions or head positions.

Modern eye muscle surgery can reduce nystagmus and improve the head position in many cases. Similarly, with careful diagnostic measurements of all of the eye muscles, the ophthalmologist can design strabismus surgery to improve the imbalances between muscles so that the head tilt or turn is no longer necessary to achieve single vision. As with any eye muscle surgery, it is outpatient, with rapid recovery being usual.  Glasses, often with a small amount of prism, may enhance the results of surgery.