Neuro-Ophthalmology deals with vision problems related to the nervous system. Impaired vision can be caused by disorders of the optic nerve, central nervous system (brain and spine), movement of the eyeballs and abnormalities in the pupils. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain. The optic nerve is like an electrical cable that carries visual information from the eye to the brain for processing.

Optic nerve disorder

1. Compression

2. Eye movement disorders: Diseases that cause limited movement, Diseases that affect the nerves to the muscles causing weakness, Diseases that can affect the transmission of signals between the nerves and muscles, Diseases that can affect the muscles, and Diseases that can affect the parts of the brain that control movement.

3. Inadequate blood supply (Ischemia)

4. Inflammation

5. Injury/trauma

6. Increased pressure in the brain

7. Increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma).

The cause of Visual Nerve Disorders depends on the type, which includes Compression can be caused by a tumor. Inadequate blood supply can be caused by Hypertension, Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia or smoking. Inflammation is often associated with diseases that affect other parts of the body, such as connective tissue disease and multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of Visual Nerve Disorders depend on the type

1. Compression caused by a tumor - Gradual loss of vision without pain

2. Eye movement disorders - Double vision, blurry vision, unsteadiness of vision, dizziness, unsteady gait, headache and weakness

3. Inadequate blood supply (Ischemia) to the optic nerve - Rapid loss of vision that is usually painless

4. Inflammation - Rapid loss of vision and problems with color vision. If the optic nerve is affected, there may be pain behind your eye

5. Injury/trauma - Symptoms will depend on the type and position of the injury

6. Increased pressure in the brain - Headache with nausea or vomiting, temporary loss of vision, or nervous disturbances in other parts of your body (feeling weak or off balance)

The most common symptoms of Visual Nervous Disorders are loss of vision, or visual disturbances, double vision, unequal pupils, and spasms of the eyelids and face.

(source : www.gleneagles.com.sg)