Nystagmus reduction by horizontal rectus retroplacements.

Seven patients with nystagmus underwent large retroplacements of the four horizontal rectus muscles. Nystagmus was horizontal in all seven patients, but three had a vertical component. The horizontal nystagmus improved in all seven patients. All improved at least one line for distance and from three to five lines for near. Retroplacement of the four horizontal rectus muscles is a safe and effective procedure for the reduction of nystagmus and the improvement of vision, particularly for near vision, producing little or no induced strabismus or limitation of motility.