Neuro-Ophthalmology
Neuro-ophthalmology is a specialised field within both neurology and ophthalmology that addresses visual problems related to the nervous system. This subspecialty focuses on diagnosing and managing conditions where visual disturbances are linked to the nervous system rather than the eyes themselves.
Common Conditions in Neuro-Ophthalmology
| Condition | Description | Causes | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optic Neuropathies | Diseases damaging the optic nerve. | Optic Neuritis (MS linked) or Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. | Vision loss, pain with movement, or sudden loss. | Steroids, disease-modifying therapies, or addressing underlying issues. |
| Papilledema | Swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure. | Brain tumours, haemorrhage, or pseudotumour cerebri. | Headaches, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting. | Managing intracranial pressure, medications, or tumour removal. |
| Visual Field Defects | Loss of part of the visual field (e.g., Bitemporal Hemianopia). | Pituitary tumours, stroke, or brain lesions. | Loss of peripheral vision or vision on the same side in both eyes. | Surgery for tumours, rehabilitation, or compensatory strategies. |
| Ocular Motor Nerve Palsies | Weakness or paralysis of eye muscles due to nerve damage. | Aneurysms, diabetes, trauma, or increased pressure. | Double vision, drooping eyelid, or eye turning inward. | Prism glasses, treating underlying causes, or possible surgery. |
| Myasthenia Gravis | Autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junction. | Autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors. | Ptosis (drooping), double vision, muscle weakness. | Anticholinesterase medications, immunosuppressants. |
| Giant Cell Arteritis | Inflammatory disease of blood vessels in the head. | Inflammation of large arteries. | Severe headache, jaw pain, sudden vision loss. | High-dose corticosteroids to prevent permanent blindness. |
| Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | Autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. | Autoimmune destruction of myelin. | Optic neuritis, double vision, involuntary eye movements. | Disease-modifying therapies and acute steroid treatment. |
| Brain Tumours | Tumours affecting visual pathways. | Primary or secondary brain tumours. | Vision changes, field defects, headaches, neurological symptoms. | Surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. |