Help for Eye-Brain Problems

The act of seeing requires combined input from the eyeball and brain nerves, so an injury or disease in any part of either system can cause sight loss or disruption. Neuro-ophthalmology is a medical subspecialty that focuses on evaluating and treating disorders affecting the eyes and nervous system.

Neuro-ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in these complex systems, so they can provide diagnostic and care options when the reason for vision loss is unclear. Neuro-ophthalmologists are certified in neurology, ophthalmology or both, and often partner with experts who specialize in immune disorders, cancer, imaging and more.

If your primary care doctor or eye doctor recommends a neuro-ophthalmologic exam, you’ll receive a full physical, a comprehensive eye exam and a neurological evaluation.

Common problems addressed by neuro-ophthalmologists include:

• Abnormal eye movement
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Double vision
• Droopy eyelids
• Eye muscle spasms
• Head trauma or tumor
• Myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune disorder)
• Optic nerve inflammation or loss
• Pupil or alignment abnormality
• Reduced vision
• Thyroid eye disease