Neuro-ophthalmologists take care of visual problems that are related to the nervous system; that is, visual problems that may not come from the eyes themselves. We use almost half of the brain for vision-related activities, including sight and moving the eyes. Neuro-ophthalmology, a subspecialty of both neurology and ophthalmology, requires specialized training and expertise in problems of the eye, brain, nerves and muscles. Neuro-ophthalmologists complete at least 5 years of clinical training after medical school and are usually board certified in Neurology, Ophthalmology, or both. Their referrals may come from neurologists, ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons and cardiologists.
Dr. Kara Warden of The Everett Clinic is a fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist.
Some of the common problems evaluated by neuro-ophthalmologists include:
- optic nerve problems (such as optic neuritis and ischemic optic neuropathy)
- visual field loss including transient visual loss
- unexplained visual loss and visual disturbances
- double vision
- abnormal eye movements
- thyroid eye disease
- myasthenia gravis
- unequal pupil size
- eyelid abnormalities
- visual processing.
In addition, Dr. Warden also provides Botox injections for blepharospasm (sustained, forced, involuntary closing of the eyelids) and hemi-facial spasm (involuntary twitching or contraction of the facial muscles on one side of the face).