Neuro-ophthalmology is the specialty that deals with ophthalmic diseases with neurological problems and various optic nerve disorders.

 

These fall into two main groups :-

• Disease affecting Optic Nerve

• Disease affecting Eye Movement

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      The optic nerve is the only nerve in the body that can be directly examined by a doctor. It connects the eye to the brain. Its disorders are normally indicated by the rapid onset of the loss of vision and colour vision associated with pain behind the eyes occurring especially during eye movements. Blood investigations and a MRI may be necessary to rule out connective tissue disease and multiple sclerosis. 

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         A stroke of the optic nerve manifests with the rapid onset of painless visual loss. It is most commonly related to hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and smoking and treatment is usually directed at controlling them.

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      Tumours occur due to a growth and exhibit slow, progressive, painless visual loss which is usually apparent on CT scan or MRI.

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    Many other disorders which occur need a thorough examination and many times further investigations are warranted to come to a diagnosis and then treat.