About Neuro-ophthalmology
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Neuro Ophthalmology
A neuro-ophthalmologist is a doctor who focuses primarily on visual problems, which are related to the nervous system. For instance, loss of sight because of brain injury or the optic nerves that transmit visual signals from the eyes to the brain. Such injury may be the result of infections, strokes, trauma, toxicities, inflammation, and tumors.
The neuro-ophthalmologist as well sees patients suffering from problems of controlling eye movement that may lead to double vision because of misalignment, or difficulty looking in particular directions. This misalignment that is as well known as strabismus can often be treated with prism lenses or perhaps with surgical procedures.
Common disorders we treat:- Optic Nerve Illness
- Vision Loss
- Visual Field Loss because of Stroke or Tumor
- Double Ocular Motility Dysfunction or Double Vision in relation with Ailments of the Nervous System
- Papilledema
- Intracranial Hypertension
- Nystagmus
- Disorders of the Pupils and Lids
Which patients should be seen by a neuro-ophthalmologist?- Patients having any loss of color vision, visual acuity or visual field because of an issue with the optic nerves or brain.
- Patients are suspected to have or have high intracranial pressure (pressure in the head) must see the neuro-ophthalmologist since this high pressure can result in optic nerve inflammation and loss of vision.
- Patients who have double vision or difficulties moving their eye because of misalignment must be seen by a neuro-ophthalmologist. Such a problem might be as a result to injury to the muscles, brain centers or nerves, which control eye movements or from a nerve transmission condition known as myasthenia gravis.
- Those who have tumors of the pituitary gland or other tumors, which might compress the vision pathways, might be referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist to ensure there's no loss of visual fields, even when they aren't aware of any vision issues. This is especially vital before and after surgical procedures to remove these tumors.
- Patients who have unequal uneven pupils are examined by neuro-ophthalmology. An abrupt change in pupil size might reflect a severe hidden problem and must be seen emergently.
- Those with the involuntary shaking of the eyes (nystagmus) .
- Botulinum toxin therapy (Botox) is offered for to patients diagnosed with hemifacial or blepharospasm spasm.
What happens during a neuro-ophthalmology assessment? - The neuro-ophthalmology exam starts with a thorough history of the patient's condition and an evaluation of any medical or neurological conditions, which may be relevant. This is followed by an assessment of the patient's eye movement and vision and usually consists of testing of the visual fields, visual acuity and color vision acuity. The eye will be checked under the microscope (slit lamp) with distinctive attention given to the retina and optic nerve in the back of the eye.
- Typically, dilating drops will be administered to enable easy viewing of these vital structures. The size and pressure of each eye might be examined also. Eye movements will be examined, that might consist of the use of special charts and prism lenses. In instances of uneven pupils, specific drops might be administered that help detects the reason behind the problem. Visual field evaluating is done at a machine that displays lights in numerous areas of the visual world while the patient presses a button to recognize each light. By doing this, patterns of visual field loss might surface, which can help result in a diagnosis.
- Lastly, the neuro-ophthalmologist will talk to the patient and talk about their problem and any management strategies or treatments, which might be given.
What must you bring to your neuro-ophthalmological evaluation?
- A copy of your prescription if you have it and your glasses.
- A referral from your referring doctor with the precise reason for the visit.
- Any important prior medical records, which include radiology reports.
- Films or a CD of any CT or MRI of the eyes or brain, which was performed earlier for easy reviewing of images.
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