Neuro-Ophthalmology deals with diseases of the nervous system that affect vision and eye movement. Blurred vision and poor color perception can be caused by several disorders that affect the optic nerve and brain including stroke, trauma, multiple sclerosis, ethambutol toxicity, and pituitary gland tumors.
Double vision can be caused by diseases that affect the nerves that control eye movement or by systemic diseases such as Myasthenia Gravis and thyroid-related eye diseases. Other diseases evaluated by Neuro-Ophthalmologists include unequal pupil size, eyelid abnormalities, visual field loss, unexplained vision loss, transient visual loss and abnormal eye movements.
Peregrine Eye & Laser Institute (PELI) has a Neuro-Ophthalmologist who can diagnose, treat and educate patients with various Neuro-Ophthalmologic diseases and disorders.
Addressing Common Neuro-Ophthalmology Treatment Questions
Neuro-Ophthalmology addresses various conditions such as optic nerve disorders, visual field loss, double vision, unexplained vision loss, abnormal eye movements, pupil abnormalities, and visual disturbances associated with neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and brain tumors.
While regular ophthalmologists primarily focus on eye diseases and vision problems, neuro-ophthalmologists specialize in the neurological aspects of vision disorders. They possess expertise in both ophthalmology and neurology, allowing them to evaluate and manage conditions that involve both the eyes and the brain.
Neuro-Ophthalmologists employ various tests and procedures to diagnose and evaluate visual and neurological conditions. These may include visual field testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photography, electroretinography (ERG), ocular motility testing, MRI or CT scans, and lumbar puncture (spinal tap), among others.
Treatment for neuro-ophthalmic conditions depends on the underlying cause. It may involve medical management, surgical interventions, or a combination of both. Treatment modalities can include medications to manage inflammation or control underlying diseases, optic nerve sheath fenestration, eyelid surgery, strabismus surgery, or referral to other specialists for systemic disease management.
If you are experiencing vision problems that are not attributable to common eye conditions or if your eye symptoms are accompanied by other neurological signs or symptoms, it is advisable to consult a neuro-ophthalmologist. Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with a neurological condition that affects your vision, a neuro-ophthalmologist can provide specialized care.
To find a Neuro-Ophthalmologist, you can start by asking your primary care physician or regular ophthalmologist for a referral. Additionally, many reputable medical centers and hospitals have Neuro-Ophthalmology departments. You can also consult professional organizations like the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS) or use online directories to locate specialists in your area.
