If you are reading this article and noticing the font, the colours, and the brightness of the screen, there is a beautiful and intricate process working in the background to help you see all this clearly. Our vision is a complex process that involves a seamless interplay between the eyes, the optic nerve, and the brain’s remarkable ability to interpret visual information. The retina at the back of the eye captures light and converts it into electrical signals, which are then transmitted by the optic nerve to the brain for interpretation. The true messenger in this activity is the optic nerve. It serves as a vital link between what the eye sees and what the brain understands. It faithfully carries visual signals from the retina to the brain’s visual cortex, where they are processed into meaningful images. Any dysfunction in this visual pathway, especially involving the optic nerve or brain regions that interpret vision, can result in decreased clarity, distorted images, or even complete vision loss. Such disruptions often require specialised attention from a neuro ophthalmologist.
Neuro-Ophthalmology is a specialised field that understands, examines, and treats problems related to neurology and ophthalmology. Specialists in neuro-ophthalmology treat neurological problems related to the eye.
This field focuses on the optic nerve, which transmits optical signals to the brain. The optic nerve can be prone to infections, injuries, trauma, tumours, strokes, or other eye disorders that impact vision and brain function. Often, these eye conditions get aggravated by nutritional deficits and lifestyle changes like excess screen time, lack of sleep, and improper nutrition.
The presenting symptoms that may take a patient to a neuro-ophthalmologist are double vision or partial vision, sudden loss of vision, eye or eyelid abnormalities, or frequent headaches.
Neuro-ophthalmologists can offer a better diagnosis of the disorder and comprehensive treatment for affected patients.
Neuro-ophthalmology focuses on treating a wide range of conditions like:
Optic Neuritis occurs when the optic nerve gets inflamed. This inflammation could have several causes – from infections to autoimmune disorders.
Papilledema is the swelling of the optic nerve due to an increase in intracranial pressure. This may eventually lead to vision loss. Common causes are injury, infection, haemorrhage, tumours, or blood clots in the brain.
Diplopia (Double Vision) is when a person experiences two images of a single object. The common causes of diplopia are nerve damage, cranial nerve palsies, or other neurological disorders.
Hemianopia is the partial loss of vision in one half of the visual field. The causes are usually brain injuries or strokes.
Visual Field Defects occur due to damage to the optic nerve or brain, causing the loss of peripheral or central vision.
Microvascular Cranial Nerve Palsy, often seen in people with diabetes, hypertension or vascular disorders, is caused by restricted blood flow to the cranial nerves. This results in double vision and misalignment of the eyes.
Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction. This muscle weakness could cause double vision and drooping eyelids.
As the name suggests, Nutritional Optic Neuropathy is caused by a deficiency of basic nutrients and vitamin B-complex and folic acid. It could also be due to toxic substances found in tobacco and alcohol.
Diabetic patients may experience vision problems due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. One such condition is non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), where the optic nerve’s blood supply gets compromised, contributing to sudden vision loss. Diabetes can also lead to diabetic retinopathy, affecting the retinal blood vessels and resulting in progressive visual impairment.
Intracranial hypertension occurs when the pressure inside the skull increases. This may be idiopathic (without a known cause) or secondary to other conditions such as brain tumours, venous sinus thrombosis, or infections.
Thyroid Eye Disease, often associated with Grave’s disease, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the tissues around the eyes and can lead to eye bulging, discomfort, and vision problems.
Brain tumours or strokes that considerably affect the optic nerve and, therefore, the vision are also treated by neuro-ophthalmologists.
Comprehensive examination
Colour vision & Contrast sensitivity
Diplopia Charting
Hess Charting
Diagnosis and testing in neuro-ophthalmology can be elaborate. Multiple tests may be required to rule out possible disorders and ascertain the condition accurately. All of these tests check the health of the optic nerve and retina.
Treatment in neuro-ophthalmology is personalised to every individual based on their medical condition, underlying causes, its severity, and other associated health issues.
The immediate treatment after diagnosis includes lifestyle changes like reducing screen time, maintaining good nutrition, improving eye care, reducing stress, and getting regular eye examinations to rule out any complicated conditions.
Wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses diligently is also a major part of treatment. Many patients are also recommended vision exercises and therapies to strengthen eye coordination, movement, and visual acuity. These are particularly helpful in conditions involving eye misalignment or nerve palsies.
Medications in the form of oral drugs or eye drops are prescribed, which are anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or immunosuppressants. Systemic medications, especially oral or intravenous steroids, are often required for conditions affecting the optic nerve. Eye drops may be used in select overlapping disorders.
Surgery is an option in specific cases, to relieve discomfort, repair damages, and restore function.
If there are other underlying medical complications at play, secondary symptoms or side effects will also be treated simultaneously to ensure overall progress.
Our body is intelligent enough to keep sending out signs and signals of distress. How much and how quickly we pay attention to it makes the difference. The first point of contact is to consult your General Physician, who will refer you to the specialist.
Some symptoms that indicate you must see a neuro-ophthalmologist immediately are:
Nethradhama is the leading hospital for high-quality eye care and treatment of eye problems. The professional and experienced team of ophthalmologists, including neuro eye doctors and staff, are dedicated to providing reliable treatment and comfortable experience to patients of all ages.
Nethradhama offers a comprehensive range of eye care services and facilities all under one roof. Services include regular eye examinations, corrective procedures for refractive errors, prescribing medication and surgery for more complex or severe eye disorders.
State-of-the-art equipment and technology are used to diagnose and treat complex eye disorders.
Personalised treatment plans with regular monitoring and follow-up make Nethradhama one of the best facilities for neuro-ophthalmology treatment. Some of the most prominent highlights and accolades of Nethradhama are:
The first NABH accredited hospital in India for maintaining national quality standards.
Nethradhama Eye Hospital has introduced many state-of-the-art equipment that were firsts both nationally and globally.
One of the lowest surgical complication rates worldwide with the help of highly experienced and skilled doctors
Efficient day care procedures with a low turn around time to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
We have implemented comprehensive hygiene and safety protocols to provide a safe and clean environment for everyone.
Our patients always come first, and we strive to provide personalized and compassionate care to each and every patient who walks through our doors.
Don't take our word for it - see what our patients have to say about the personalized care and exceptional service they received at Nethradhama.
Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve gets inflamed because of causes ranging from infections, toxins, and underlying medical conditions to autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms of neurological eye problems are often complex and one needs to be aware and observant of them to get treatment in time.
Common symptoms are sharp and persistent pain in and around the eyes, frequent headaches, sensitivity to light, blurred or double vision, droopy eyelids and abnormal eye movements.
A detailed analysis of medical history, coupled with blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can be used to diagnose optic neuritis.
The examinations are non-invasive and painless. The neuro-ophthalmologists and supporting staff ensure that patients are comfortable throughout the process.
Yes, Neuro-Ophthalmology services can also be beneficial for evaluating certain eye conditions that may have underlying neurological causes or affect visual function.
The duration of the appointment may vary based on the specific tests and evaluations required. On average, appointments can range from 30 minutes to an hour.
Insurance coverage varies, so it is recommended to check with your insurance provider regarding the coverage for Neuro-Ophthalmology services at Nethradhama.
Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital is renowned for its expertise in eye care for over 20 years. Our dedicated team of neuro-ophthalmologists and advanced diagnostic facilities ensure the highest quality of care for patients seeking Neuro-Ophthalmology services.
