Neuro-Ophthalmology

This is a subspecialty of ophthalmology and neurology. It focuses on assessing visual problems related to the central nervous system and comprises situations generating vision loss, alteration of eye movements, changes in the position of eyelids and changes in pupil size.

It is known as a visual tract to get to the different structures involved in vision. This tract begins in the eyes and continues towards the different connected structures that end up in the brain’s visual region. Vision loss can be secondary to one or more of these structures having been affected. Patients may notice alterations in visual sharpness, color vision and the visual field.

Different areas of the brain are involved in the accurate control of the ocular movements. The alteration in any of these structures can cause involuntary eye movements or ocular misalignment. Patients may perceive image instability or double vision.

The proper positioning of the eyelids and the pupil size are also dependent on the structures of the central nervous system. Different disorders may cause the eyelid to fall or retract, as well as changes in pupil size.

A thorough examination and supplementary tests can help identify the visual disorder and determine potential treatments. Accurate diagnosis allows evaluating the urgency of each case and identifying the underlying pathology that originated the neuro-ophthalmology condition.