Neuro-ophthalmology covers visual problems that arise from the optic nerve, the brain or the nerves and muscles that move the eyes, as opposed to the eye itself.
It sits between neurology and ophthalmology. Typical reasons for referral are unexplained visual loss, double vision, unequal pupils, drooping eyelids and swollen optic discs.
Conditions this service looks after
- Optic neuritis
- Ischaemic optic neuropathy, including giant cell arteritis
- Papilloedema and idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- Double vision from cranial nerve palsies
- Ocular myasthenia gravis
- Visual field loss after stroke or from pituitary tumours
- Nystagmus
- Thyroid eye disease
Tests you may be offered
- Full eye examination with colour vision and pupil testing: Locates the problem along the visual pathway.
- Automated visual fields: Map blind areas, whose shape points to the site of damage.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Measures nerve fibre layer thickness, swelling or loss.
- MRI of brain and orbits: Looks for inflammation, compression and stroke.
- Blood tests: ESR and CRP urgently for suspected giant cell arteritis; aquaporin-4, MOG and acetylcholine receptor antibodies.
- Lumbar puncture: Measures spinal fluid pressure.
Treatments available
- High-dose steroids: For optic neuritis in some cases, and immediately for giant cell arteritis.
- Weight loss and acetazolamide: For idiopathic intracranial hypertension, with shunting or venous stenting if vision is threatened.
- Prisms, occlusion or strabismus surgery: For stable double vision.
- Treatment of the underlying disease: MS, myasthenia, pituitary tumour or thyroid eye disease.
- Botulinum toxin: For blepharospasm and some squints.
When to ask for a specialist opinion
- Double vision that is new
- Visual loss your optician or ophthalmologist cannot explain
- Swollen optic discs found at an eye test
- A drooping eyelid or unequal pupils
- Headache with brief visual blackouts
Travelling to Türkiye for this care
A full work-up takes 1 to 3 days and is useful for persistent or unexplained symptoms and for second opinions. Sudden visual loss, new double vision with headache, or jaw pain with visual symptoms in someone over 50 must be seen the same day locally, since delay can cost sight.
Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
الأسئلة المتكررة
Is optic neuritis always multiple sclerosis?
No. It can occur alone, or with NMOSD or MOG antibody disease. MRI and antibody tests clarify the risk.
Will my double vision go away?
Palsies from diabetes or blood pressure usually recover within 3 to 6 months. Persistent cases can be helped by prisms or surgery.
Can new glasses fix this?
Not if the cause is the nerve or brain, which is why referral matters.