Three Eye and Vision Conditions Treatable by Neurology Doctors

Although some disorders of vision in Melville and across the nation are caused by diseases, injuries, or other problems with the eye itself, there are some that actually have their basis in the brain. The brain is where the processing of vision occurs, and problems with the optic nerve or visual cortices can create visual disturbances including reduced visual field, reduced visual acuity, or even total loss of vision in one or both eyes. Neurology doctors treat disorders of vision that are caused in the brain or nerves. In Melville and elsewhere this may include neurologists, physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders; neurosurgeons, who perform surgical procedures on the central and peripheral nervous system; or neuro-ophthalmologists, neurologists who specialize in brain-based visual disorders. These three vision disorders are all caused by underlying pathologies in the brain or optic nerves, and are generally diagnosed and treated by neurology doctors in Melville, as well as across the country.

#1: Optic Nerve Glioma

Optic Nerve Glioma is a type of tumor. A glioma is a term referring to a tumor that begins in the brain or spine, thus called because it arises from a type of nerve cell called glial cells. Although the exact cause of gliomas is not yet known, they are often associated with certain hereditary genetic disorders. Neurofibromatoses, which are autosomally dominant genetically inherited disorders, are a common precipitating factor in cases of optic nerve glioma. These gliomas affect the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina of the eye to the brain. They generally cause visual loss, as well as hormonal problems due to their location and consequent effect on areas of the brain responsible for hormonal control. Optic nerve gliomas in Melville are most commonly diagnosed and treated by neurology doctors. Treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

#2: Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, often resulting in partial or total loss of vision. Optic neuritis can result from a number of causes, including multiple schlerosis, lupus, diabetes, vasculitis, to name a few. This condition often presents in Melville with symptoms including a sudden partial or total loss of vision, blurring of vision, and pain when moving the eye. Sometimes it can result in partial loss of color vision, especially perception of red colors, in the affected eye. Optic neuritis is usually handled by neurology doctors; optic neuritis often remits when the underlying cause is treated.

#3: Homonymous Hemianopia

Homonymous hemianopia is a loss of visual field on the left or the right side of the midline of the field. It can affect one or both eyes, and results in an inability to perceive visual information on the affected side. This condition occurs when there is damage to the pathways in the brain that feed into either the left or right hemifield of the visual field. Usually, homonymous hemianopia results from a lesion in the brain created by a stroke, trauma, tumor, or infection. A person with homonymous hemianopia will often find themselves bumping into obstacles and otherwise experiencing decreased mobility as a result of their inability to see what is going on in half of their visual field. Although this condition sometimes remits, the prognosis is considered far poorer if it has not let up after six to twelve months. Although neurology doctors often diagnose and manage this condition, it is difficult to treat. There are a few therapies, such as visual restitution therapy, that have shown some promise, but treatments for homonymous hemianopsia are in their infancy at this point.