When looking for a treatment center for children’s Ophthalmology, it is important to consider the potential need for neuro-ophthalmological care. Neuro-ophthalmology pertains to disorders and diseases affecting the connection between the brain and the eye.
Neuro-ophthalmology overview
Your eyes are closely connected to your brain and nervous system. Neuro-ophthalmologists specialize in diagnosing and treating this connection. The eyes, eye socket, and brain are all included in the field of neuro-ophthalmology.
While many visual problems are the result of problems in the eyes, others are caused by problems in the connecting nerves. This could include an abnormal structure, inflammation, infection, or other issues. If your child has one of these conditions, it is important he or she is correctly diagnosed and given the right treatment.
Signs your child might need a neuro-ophthalmologist
The signs of a neuro-ophthalmological disorder may overlap with those of another visual disorder. Your child may complain of a loss of vision or headaches, for example.
Physical symptoms can also indicate a neuro-ophthalmological issue. Unusual eye muscle movements, crossed eyes, or drooping eyelids might mean your child needs a neuro-ophthalmologist. Unresponsive or uneven pupils could also be a warning sign.
Other physical signs that your child is having trouble with his or her eyes are head turns. If your child consistently turns or tilts his or her head, there may be a neuro-ophthalmological issue.
Examination
Your child’s pediatrician can examine your child first, to determine whether the cause of the issue is neuro-ophthalmological. He or she may be able to eliminate other potential causes and refer you to a neuro-ophthalmologist.
Your regular pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist may also refer your child to a neuro-ophthalmologist. He or she will do this if it has been determined that your child’s vision issues are not related to the optic nerve or eyes.
Even if you have not noticed any particular issues, it is important to follow the recommended children eye exam schedule.
This means one visit between 6 and 12 months, once between 3 and 5 years, and annually after starting school.
Testing
As the signs of a neuro-ophthalmological condition may be similar to those of another condition, special testing may be required. It is important for the testing to be done promptly, as many neuro-ophthalmological conditions can have serious effects if left untreated.
As well as his or her vision, your child’s neck, head, pupils, and eyelids will be tested. Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scanning may be required for a full examination and diagnosis.
Neuro-ophthalmological conditions
There is a wide range of neuro-ophthalmological conditions. Some involve shaking eyes, irregular eye movements, or seizures. In some cases, the optic nerve might have developed incorrectly or might have atrophied. A brain, eye, or pituitary tumor can also cause vision problems.
Ptosis, or drooping eyelids, might be caused by a neuro-ophthalmological condition such as myasthenia gravis, which affects muscle movement. Diplopia, or double vision, can also be a symptom of a neurological condition.
Other neuro-ophthalmological conditions include thyroid eye disease, cranial or optic neuropathy, papilledema, optic neuritis, and many more.
When would you notice symptoms?
Some neuro-ophthalmological conditions are noticeable from birth. However, others may only become apparent as your child grows.
Pay attention to your child’s development when it comes to visual processing. If he or she has trouble processing visual information or complains of difficulty with vision, an examination is required.
Some symptoms might only be noticed by your child’s pediatrician or optometrist during an examination. If your child needs an examination, research “pediatric ophthalmologist near me” as soon as possible.
Treatment
The treatment for a neuro-ophthalmological disorder or disease might include medication or surgery, depending on the nature of the issue.
Your child might require treatment from a neurologist as well as a neuro-ophthalmologist. Another specialist might be required for certain conditions, such as an oncologist if tumors are present.
