Neuro-ophthalmology: what are we talking about?
Neuro-ophthalmology is a specialty that operates at the intersection of ophthalmology and neurology. It treats all disorders affecting the visual pathways, from the optic nerve at the level of the retina through the orbit to the occipital lobe dedicated to vision. The field also encompasses the function of the ocular muscles, their innervation and eyelid pathologies of neurological origin.
What are the diseases in neuro-ophthalmology?
- Cerebrovascular diseases (strokes)
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve, often associated with multiple sclerosis)
- Oculomotor paralysis (III, IV, VI)
- Brain and orbital tumors
- Neurodegenerative diseases and dementias
- Ischemic optic neuropathies
- Nystagmus
Should I consult a neurologist or neuro-ophthalmologist?
These two specialties complement each other in a collaborative manner. Neurologists perform comprehensive neurological examinations and manage systemic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, while neuro-ophthalmologists focus specifically on the eyes using microscopic examination, visual fields, OCT imaging, and specialized eye drop tests as needed.
