Neuro-ophthalmology

Neuro-ophthalmology is the subspecialty that studies the relationship between the nervous system and vision: the optic nerve, visual pathways within the brain, muscles and nerves controlling eye movements, and pupils. While comprehensive ophthalmology focuses on the eye as an organ, neuro-ophthalmology evaluates conditions in which a neurological problem causes visual symptoms—or an eye finding calls for a neurological cause to be ruled out.

The relationship between the nervous system and vision

Vision depends on more than the eye: signals captured by the retina travel through the optic nerve and visual pathways to the occipital cortex, while coordinated movement of both eyes depends on cranial nerves III, IV and VI. Damage anywhere along these pathways—the optic nerve itself, the brainstem or the pathway to the cortex—may cause visual symptoms even when examination of the eye alone shows no abnormality.

Common reasons for consultation

Recent-onset double vision, sudden or progressive vision loss without an obvious eye-related cause, headache with visual changes, optic nerve swelling or papilledema found on a fundus examination, unequal pupils (anisocoria), a drooping eyelid, or a referral from another doctor or comprehensive ophthalmologist because of an optic nerve finding.

What the specialist can assess

A neuro-ophthalmic evaluation examines visual function, eye movements, pupillary reflexes and the optic nerve. It may include tests such as perimetry or optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the optic nerve, depending on the case. When needed, care is coordinated with neurology, neurosurgery or other specialties: neuro-ophthalmology often provides a diagnostic link between ophthalmology and neurology.

How to request an appointment

Neuro-ophthalmology consultations take place at Oftalmo Advanced Clinic, El Dorado. You can use the WhatsApp button above, call directly or view our contact options.