What is Neuro Ophthalmology?

Neuro-Ophthalmology is the specialty that relates to visual symptoms resulting from the nervous system disorders. The visual symptoms can be either vision loss due to any pathology related to Optic Nerve, its tract & the visual cortex or problems with eye movements. There are several parts of the brain that are involved with precise control of eye movements. Pathology within these regions often produces misalignment of the eyes with resultant double vision. Any of several disorders may affect the optic nerve or its connections; including strokes, inflammation, multiple sclerosis or tumors.

Symptoms:

There are many indicators that need to be evaluated before labeling it as a neuro- ophthalmological disorder.  However, some of the principal indicators are:

• Vision loss
• Binocular double vision which results from misalignment of the visual axis of the two eyes because of which brain perceives two separate images from each eye.
• Persistent severe headache
• A less reactive pupil
• Impairment of colour vision
• Photophobia
• Visual Field Defects

Diagnosis:

Possible diagnosis can only be reached after comprehensive neuro-ophthalmological evaluation which includes complete medical history, MRI and/or CT Scan of Brain, visual field test and detailed fundus examination.

Treatment:

The treatment modalities depend upon the underlying cause of the disorder

When to call your doctor:

Neuro-Ophthalmological disorder may cause permanent vision loss so in case of sudden vision loss, double vision and persistent severe headaches, there should be no delay in contacting the eye specialist. Timely intervention may prevent visual loss.