Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit Unit

The Neuro-Ophthlamology Unit of the Wilmer Eye Institute specializes in patients with blurred vision caused by optic disorders, double vision caused by strokes and brain tumors, defects in the visual fields, and involuntrary spasms of the face and eyelids.

Patients referred to this unit receive a complete evaluation, including:

• Testing of visual acuity
• Color vision testing
• Evaluation of the eye movements and ocular alignment
• Visual field testing using kinetic perimetry, static perimetry, or both.

Selected patients may also undergo a variety of other diagnostic tests, including echography, CT scanning, and Mr imaging. Upon completion of the evaluation, recommendations for further testing, therapy, or both are given to the patient and referring physician, and a complete typed report is sent to the referring physician.

Typical conditions treated in this department:

• Optic nerve disorders, such as optic neuritis,
• Ischemic optic neuropathy, compressive optic neuropathies, Leber's optic neuropathy
• Visual field defects related to stroke or MS
• Double vision from ocular motor nerve palsies
• Myasthenia gravis
• Thyroid eye disease
• Orbital tumors
• Blepharospasm and other involuntary facial movements
• Pupillary abnormalities (e.g., anisocoria).

About Neuro-Ophthalmology

A variety of eye disorders are caused by or associated with neurologic diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, strokes, and brain tumors. Neuro-Ophthalmology is a field that deals with such eye disorders, and neuro-ophthalmologists assess and treat a variety of visual complaints, including blurred vision and double vision. Because this specialty includes the fields of ophthalmology, neurology, neurosurgery, and neuroradiology, most neuro-ophthalmologists have received training in all of these areas.

In addition, most neuro-ophthalmologic disorders require the interaction of the neuro-ophthlamologist with other physicians, particularly general neurologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists. Thus, most neuro-ophthalmologists are located in academic medical centers. In this environment, they can not only examine their complex patients, but can also perform basic and clinical research, and teach medical students, residents, and different specialists.