| Summary: | Background: Nystagmus is a repetitive, involuntary, rhythmic eye movement which may have physiological or pathological causes. However, no studies on the effect of nystagmus on social prejudice have been conducted to date. Methods: Research participants (n=163) were asked to rate one of two 45-second videos presenting a part of an interview for the position of an editor in a local newspaper. The only difference between the two clips was that they presented a female who either had or did not have an induced optokinetic nystagmus. The participants were asked to rate the candidate with regard to 11 personality features using a scale from 1 to 5. Results: After Bonferroni correction, statistically significant differences were observed with regard to communication skills, competence level, dependability, intelligence, and organizational skills. For sincerity, leadership skills, attractiveness, emotional stability, honesty, and sense of humor, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Individuals with nystagmus are being judged with regard to fundamental characteristics which are paramount not only for professional opportunities but also in many other significant areas of everyday life.
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