Sealy Neuro Ophthalmologist

Neuro Ophthalmology is a specialty involving both the practices of neurology and ophthalmology, focusing on vision troubles related to the nervous system. The specialty covers problems that do not necessarily come from the eye itself, but might be related to any number of neurological causes. Dealing with maladies such as optic disc edema, intracranial hypertension, brain tumors, strokes, and optic neuritis, the neuro-ophthalmologist is trained to diagnose and treat unexplained loss of vision, headaches or double vision.

This particular subspecialty usually starts with a doctor being trained in either neurology or ophthalmology as a primary specialty, then being further trained in the complementary field, completing at least five years of clinical training after medical school, and becoming board certified in either (or both) Neurology and Ophthalmology. In Sealy, Neuro Ophthalmologists are highly trained to correct problems with the optic nerve, the efferent visual system, and pupil reflexes.

 

Focusing on the link between your eyes and the vision centers in your brain, your neuro ophthalmologist is looking for symptoms that might include blurred or double vision, different pupil sizes, spasms of the eyelid or face, pain in your head or eyes, or loss of vision altogether. Symptoms such as these can be very serious and should be checked into immediately. Loss of vision can lead to blindness and might even be pointing to a potentially life-threatening condition or event.

 

Covering such a wide range of conditions, your doctor has at their disposal a veritable arsenal of diagnostic equipment and possible treatments. Some problems may respond well to medications, while other may be treated with corrective eyewear and sometimes surgery. More serious conditions may lead to more intensive treatments, yet there are many that respond to simple ministrations.

 

Sometimes, it might be best to only monitor the course of the disease for progression or changes. Towards that end, physicians employ a range of tools including ultrasound, ocular photography, and optical coherence tomography.

 

Once you’ve researched your choices for your own neuro-ophthalmologist, preparation for your exam is almost as important as the exam itself. You’ll want to request that your referring physician forward all pertinent information, including notes, lab results and CT or MRI scan results and films. You might need to have your pupils dilated during the visit, so be sure to have someone to drive you home, and bring along a pair of sunglasses. Women should avoid wearing eye makeup, and everyone should bring a comprehensive list and dosage size of any medications being taken, including prescription and OTC medications.

 

Because of the extremely comprehensive nature of your neuro-ophthalmologic examination, except to be looked over for several hours. A complete medical history form will need to be filled out, including such information as hospital stays, prior surgeries, family history and allergies. A complete eye examination will take place, including a peripheral vision test. There may or may not be a neurologic examination, testing your strength, sensation and coordination. Based upon their findings, your doctor will go over previous test results, and then discuss the next step in either your evaluation or treatment.