 |
|
|
What is a Neuro-Ophthalmologist?
Neuro-ophthalmologists take care of visual problems
that are related to the nervous system; that is, visual problems
that do not come from 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.
Neuro-ophthalmologists complete at least 5 years of clinical
training after medical school and are usually board certified
in Neurology, Ophthalmology, or both.
Although some problems seen by neuro-ophthalmologist
are not worrisome, other conditions can worsen and cause permanent
visual loss, or become life threatening. Sometimes the problem
is confined to the optic nerve or the nervous system and other
times it is related to a general medical condition. Neuro-ophthalmologists
have unique abilities to evaluate patients from the neurologic,
ophthalmologic, and medical standpoints to diagnose and treat
a wide variety of problems. Costly medical testing is often
avoided by seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist.
Some of the common problems evaluated by neuro-ophthalmologists
include: optic nerve problems (such as optic neuritis and ischemic
optic neuropathy), visual field loss, unexplained visual loss,
transient visual loss, visual disturbances, double vision, abnormal
eye movements, thyroid eye disease, myasthenia gravis, unequal
pupil size, and eyelid abnormalities.
PREPARING FOR THE NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY
EVALUATION
-
Request that your treating physicians
send all relevant information to the neuro-ophthalmologist
prior to your appointment, including office notes, results
of laboratory tests and reports of CT and MRI scans.
-
If you have had a CT or MRI
scan performed, arrange to pick up the actual films and bring
them with you, or have the facility mail them to the neuro-ophthalmologist
in advance or your appointment.
-
You will probably have your
pupils dilated during the visit. The eye drops last about
4 hours and will make things look bright and blurry up close.
Have someone else drive you to the appointment and bring your
sunglasses.
-
Ladies, in order for the physician
to get a good look at your eyelids, and to avoid ruining your
appearance when the eye drops are administered, do not wear
eye makeup.
-
Bring a complete list of medications
with you, including the name and dosage of prescription and
over-the-counter medications.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE EVALUATION?
-
The neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation
is one of the most comprehensive examinations you will experience.
It may take a few hours to complete. You will be asked to
give an account of your current problem and relate your entire
medical history, including previous hospitalizations, operations,
serious illnesses, medical problems in your family members,
and medication allergies.
-
You will have a complete eye
examination. This may include testing of your peripheral vision
(visual field test).
- You may have a partial or complete neurologic
exam to test your strength, sensation, and coordination.
- The neuro-ophthalmologist will review the records
and scans from previous evaluations, if applicable.
- After the examination, the neuro-ophthalmolgist
will discuss the diagnosis (or possible diagnoses), the need
for any additional testing and possible treatment.
For More Information about Neuro-ophthalmology
If you desire more information
about Neuro-ophthalmology, or need information to assist you in
making a referral to a Neuro-ophthalmologist, please contact the
North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, the official organization
representing Neuro-ophthalmology, as certified by the American
Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Neurology.
NANOS
|
|
|
|
