Neuro-ophthalmology

Neuro-ophthalmology is an ophthalmic subspecialty that merges the fields of neurology and ophthalmology, often dealing with complex systemic diseases that have manifestations in the visual system.  Neuro-ophthalmology focuses on diseases of the nervous system that affect vision, control of eye movements, or pupillary reflexes.  A typical neuro-ophthalmic examination entails a detailed medical history and physical exam, further supplemented by the necessary ophthalmic and systemic diagnostic studies.

Common pathology referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist includes:

Afferent visual system disorders (e.g. optic neuritis, optic neuropathy, papilledema, brain tumors or strokes) and

Efferent visual system disorders (e.g. anisocoria, diplopia, ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, nystagmus, blepharospasm, seizures of the eye or eye muscles, and hemifacial spasm).