Neuro-ophthalmology merges the disciplines of ophthalmology (eyes) and neurology (nervous system), focusing on the complex interaction between the eyes, brain and nerves.
Almost half of our brain is used for processing visual images and moving our eyes. Neuro-ophthalmologists carry out diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the nerve pathways that connect the eyes to the brain.
Some of these problems include:
Unexplained vision loss.
Optic nerve problems, such as optic neuritis, optic neuropathy, optic atrophy and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Abnormal eye.
Movements (nystagmus).
Unequal pupil size. (such as Horner syndrome and Adie pupil)
Eye and vision problems relating to brain damage (such as stroke, trauma, and multiple sclerosis).
The eye is connected to the brain by the optic nerve. It carries signals from the the light sensing tissue (retina) at the back of the eye to the brain which interprets them as visual images.
Neuro-ophthalmology patients often have other long-term medical conditions. Your brain controls what you see and there are many conditions that affect both the brain and the eye.
Eye-Search is a free online therapy for patients with visual search problems caused by brain injury. To participate you just need some simple computer skills such as using a mouse.
Read-Right is a practice-based therapy that aims to improve reading speeds in people with Hemianopic Alexia, a specific reading disorder related to a visual impairment usually caused by a stroke or head injury.
Eyelander is an online game for young people with partial visual field loss caused by brain processing difficulties. Eyelander trains you to use eye movements more effectively. This training can be beneficial for everyday tasks, like finding something in a room or moving around safely.
You can self-fund or use private medical insurance to fund your treatment.