What is neuro-ophthalmology?

As a sub-specialty of both neurology and ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology covers a wide range of specific visual problems that are related to the nervous system – visual problems that do not originate with the eyes themselves.

We use almost half of the brain for vision-related activities, including sight and moving the eyes. Neuro-ophthalmology, a subspecialty of both neurology and ophthalmology, requires specialized training and expertise in problems of the eye, brain, nerves and muscles.

Examples of Neuro-ophthalmic Conditions

There are a wide variety of neuro-ophthalmic conditions, including:

• Abnormal eye movements (ophthalmoparesis or nystagmus)
• Double vision
• Intracranial lesions affecting the visual pathway
• Ischemic optic neuropathy
• Migraine and related visual complaints
• Optic disc swelling (Papilledema or papilloedema)
• Optic neuritis and other optic nerve problems
• Pupillary abnormalities
• Unexplained vision loss
• Visual field defects