Neuro-ophthalmology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders that affect the eyes. Since the eyeball is an extension of the brain, there is a direct connection between the two organs. The optic nerve that connects the eyeball to the brain provides vision and any damage to this tunnel will result in visual complications.

Neuro-ophthalmic disorders include:

– Optic Neuritis, which literally means inflammation of the optic nerve. Sometimes this disorder can be linked to the onset of Multiple Sclerosis.

– Myasthenia gravis is a neurological disorder which causes droopy eyelids and double vision.

– Strokes, if affecting the areas of the brain which control or possess optical fibers, can lead to loss of the visual field (part or all of the peripheral vision will be permanently lost).

– Brain tumors will affect the eyes as strokes do, in addition to causing headaches and double vision.

– Ischemic optic neuropathy, frequently called “stroke of the eye”, is when the optic nerve stops receiving enough oxygen and blood, therefore causing permanent damage of the nerve, which leads to irreversible blindness.

Older individuals with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, elevated cholesterol, or a history of smoking are at a higher risk for strokes and ischemic optic neuropathy.

Regardless of the neuro-ophthalmic condition, we (here) at Cohlmia Eye Center are trained to diagnose and treat all of the above neuro-ophthalmic eye conditions to help you see as best you can. Click here to contact us for an appointment or call us at 316.264.8932