Neuro-Ophthalmology: Eye Exams for Vision and the Brain
Neuro-ophthalmology is the part of eye care where vision and the nervous system meet. Your eyes take in light, but your brain does the seeing, and the optic nerves and visual pathways connect the two. Because of that, conditions affecting the brain and nerves often show up first as a change in vision, the pupils or eye movements.
What we look for
- Optic nerve swelling, which can come with headaches and may point to raised pressure around the brain
- Optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause painful eye movement, dim vision or washed-out colors
- Visual field loss in a pattern that can follow a stroke, a pituitary tumor or another problem along the visual pathway
- Double vision from a weak eye muscle or nerve
- Unequal pupils or a droopy eyelid
- Migraine with visual aura, such as zigzag lines or shimmering spots
The tests we use
A neuro-ophthalmic workup at Reimbold Eye Group can include a visual field test to map your side vision, OCT imaging of the optic nerve fibers, pupil and eye movement checks, color vision testing and a dilated look at the optic nerve. Together these tell us where along the pathway a problem may be.
Working with your other doctors
Many of these conditions need care beyond the eye. We send our findings to your physician and, when needed, help arrange an MRI or a referral to a neuro-ophthalmologist or neurologist. Often, treating the underlying cause is the best way to protect your vision.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden double vision
- A droopy eyelid with a large pupil, especially with headache
- Vision changes with weakness, numbness, facial droop or trouble speaking
Questions patients ask
Why would an eye doctor check for a brain problem?
The optic nerve and the pathways that carry vision run through much of the brain. Swelling, pressure or damage along those pathways often shows up first as changes in the optic nerve, the pupils, eye movements or the visual field, which we can measure in the office.
I get headaches. Do I need a neuro-ophthalmic exam?
Most headaches are not caused by the eyes, but an out-of-date prescription and eye strain can contribute. A comprehensive exam checks your prescription and your optic nerves. If anything looks unusual, we test further and work with your physician.
What happens if you find something?
We explain what we see, send a report to your physician and, when needed, help arrange imaging such as an MRI or a referral to a neuro-ophthalmologist or neurologist.
Book an exam at Reimbold Eye Group or call 770-776-9000. We are at 4180 Old Milton Pkwy #1-D in Alpharetta.