Nystagmus is a rare condition characterized by uncontrollable and rapid movement of your eyes in circular motion, side-by-side, or up-and-down.
The eyes may move fast or slower and it usually affects both eyes. People with this condition may end up tilting or turning their head to see things clearly, which tends to slow down the eye movements.
This condition has been known to affect our eyesight, resulting in some people undergoing eye surgeries.
Now that we know the symptoms of nystagmus, let’s talk about the actors who have had to deal with this condition.
1. Pruitt Taylor Vince
Other than starring in various films over the years, Pruitt has a popular face that has featured in various television series including Hawaii Five-O, House, and Bones. Pruitt was born with nystagmus, which is an involuntary movement of his eye.
He may have started taking acting classes accidentally, but he has managed to create a great career for himself.
His enrolment to acting school may have been a computer error but he has used his condition to his advantage. For instance, he played his condition’s role as George in the TV series the episode titled “Que Sera Sera.”
2. Tim Hands
Tim is a voice actor who was born with this condition and lives with it to date. The condition has affected his sight making it hard for him to even drive.
Despite the condition, he has managed to create a successful career for himself in post-production sound for TV and movies.
His major role is re-recording dialogues with other actors and his hearing has helped him a lot.
In fact, most of the people he has worked with don’t know the full extent of his condition.
You can hear his voice in various shows including “Game of Thrones” and “The Nevers.” He has also worked on movies like “Les Miserables”, “Mamma Mia,” and “Chicken Run.”
3. Richard Thomas Osman
The Pointless present’s eyes tend to flicker while he is filming, which most of us may have noticed because of nystagmus.
Richard was born with this condition and he claims that it has played a major role in his career.
Since he can’t focus on the lighting or angle of the camera, he focuses more on whether the jokes were funny and how actors work together.
4. Johnny Kincaid
The child actor playing Jack in “This Is Us” has nystagmus and albinism that has affected his life.
Fortunately, he has a supportive mother who uses her platform to advocate for kids with visual impairment like Johnny.
She shares the importance of taking care of kids like Johnny and teaches her viewers about nystagmus.
5. Allan Pineda Lindo, Jr.
Like the other members of the Black Eyed Peas, Allan has had an exceptional career.
Other than touring the world with his group, he has also produced and starred in various Reality TV series in the Philippines. He even worked as the coach of “The Voice of the Philippines.”
But did you know that he was born with Nystagmus?
Allan kept the condition a secret until 2011 when he told People magazine that he was legally blind.
Fortunately, his condition was corrected a year later and he is now better.
Acquired Vs. Congenital Nystagmus
Nystagmus can either be acquired or congenital. Congenital nystagmus tends to affect both eyes and can start before your kid is 3 months old.
On the other hand, acquired nystagmus can be caused by alcohol and drug use or a serious health issue.
