SDNDS - Common Neurophthalmological Conditions

	SDNDS - Common Neurophthalmological Conditions
	Optic Neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve which is the structure responsible for transmitting what we see to the brain for its interpretation from a variety of causes: 1) unknown, 2) immune related, 3) infective; viral or bacterial, 4) inflammatory 5) disease (tumors, infection, or inflammation) of adjacent structures. This causes a fairly rapid (over a 1-week period) decrease in central vision, generally associated with pain in the eye and on movement of the eye, which improves within a 3-4 week time frame. Treatment is geared toward the causative agent. Double Vision can be due to a metabolic cause such as thyroid eye disease, diabetes, birth defect, trauma, stroke, tumor, immune process or neuromuscular disease. Treatment is based on the causative agent and would include use of medication, prisms and/or surgical correction. Nystagmus is the fairly rhythmic to and from movement of the eyes due to a congenital (birth) defect, or secondary (acquired) problem such as visual loss, brainstem, cerebellar or inner ear dysfunction, stroke, infection, MS, tumor, drug, alcohol or vitamin deficiency. Treatment is based on the causative agent. Visual Field Testing is an important diagnostic tool in the assessment of patients status post visual loss due to trauma, stroke, infection, MS, lupus, and brain surgery since this may be the first indicator of change in visual function and is an easy test to obtain. The above descriptions were short and simplified for complex medical problems. If you think that may relate to your visual problems or have any questions, please contact Ellen F. Gabel, MD at 619-593-7893.