Neuro-ophthalmology

Neuro-ophthalmology is the subspecialty of both neurology and ophthalmology concerning visual problems that are related to the nervous system.

Some commonly seen diseases that a neuro-ophthalmologist may see include optic neuritis, optic neuropathy, optic disc edema, ocular myasthenia gravis, brain tumors or stroke affecting vision, idiopathic intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri, unexplained visual loss, headaches and double vision. 

It is crucial to diagnose early a neuro-ophthalmological condition, since it may sometimes be life threatening.

Please ask for an ophthalmological consult in case:

1. You lose visual acuity from one or both eyes without an obvious or known reason.

2. You suffer from temporary visual field defects.

3. You see the simultaneous perception of two images of a single object, a situation known as diplopia or double vision.

4. Nystagmus, not previously mentioned comes up. Pathologic nystagmus is characterized by alternating smooth pursuit in one direction and saccadic movement in the other direction. It may also cause a degree of vision impairment.

5. You observe any difference between the diameter and motility of the two pupils of the eye.

6. You are suddenly unable to focus on a far or near object. 

7. You observe a sudden eyelid drop, eyelid elevation or blepharospasm a situation that is characterized by rapid blinking of the eyes or even forced closure causing effective blindness