neuroftalmología

Neurophthalmology is a subspecialty of ophthalmology and neurology that focuses on the complex relationship between the eyes and the brain. It deals with visual disturbances that result from neurological conditions, as well as neurological conditions that manifest with visual symptoms. This field bridges the disciplines of neurology and ophthalmology, requiring expertise in both visual pathways and the nervous system.

Patients seeking neuroophthalmological care often present with a wide range of symptoms. These can include vision loss, double vision (diplopia), involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), visual field defects, and problems with visual processing. Conditions commonly managed by neuroophthalmologists include optic nerve disorders such as optic neuritis and ischemic optic neuropathy, cranial nerve palsies affecting eye movement, papilledema (swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure), visual field loss from stroke or tumors, and conditions affecting the visual cortex of the brain.

The diagnostic process in neuroophthalmology involves a thorough medical history, a comprehensive eye examination, and often includes detailed neurological assessments. Advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans of the brain and orbits are frequently utilized to visualize neurological structures and identify underlying causes. Treatment strategies are tailored to the specific diagnosis and may involve medications, surgical interventions, or rehabilitation therapies. Neuroophthalmology plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing potentially sight-threatening and life-threatening neurological conditions that impact vision.