Some eye disorders such as double vision, blurred vision, or temporary loss of vision, are caused by neurologic problems that affect the connections between the eye and the brain. These conditions may require the specialized skills of a neuro-ophthalmologist, who diagnoses and treats disorders that involve the optic nerve (which connects the eye to the brain), and the parts of the brain that process vision, eye movements, and the orbit (eye socket). 

The neuro-ophthalmology service at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) is fully equipped to handle visual problems triggered by neurological conditions, including brain tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, systemic inflammation, and infection. Our highly experienced, board-certified neuro-ophthalmologists are backed by one of the leading imaging labs in the country, offering visual fields, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, electrophysiologic testing, ultrasound, CT, and MRI.

Treating neuro-ophthalmic disorders often means preventing progression and making the right referrals to other specialists. For that reason, our neuro-ophthalmologists work closely with and have ready access to the vast resources of the Mount Sinai Health System, including interventional neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, neurologists, oncologists, and rheumatologists. In fact, we are the place other medical institutions go to for second opinions or for collaborative care and counsel.

Our neuro-ophthalmologists are also actively involved in research designed to uncover and make safely available to our patients the latest and most promising therapies for neuro-ophthalmic disease. Patients can enroll in a number of eye clinical trials.

Symptoms of Neuro-Ophthalmic Disorders 

While symptoms can vary from one disease to the next, the following may indicate your condition is neuro-ophthalmic-related:

• Progressive blurry vision (not able to be corrected with glasses or contacts)
• Sudden loss of vision
• Temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Pain with eye movement
• Headache associated with vision symptoms
• Unequal pupils (one pupil is much larger or smaller than the other)
• Double vision
• Nystagmus, or jiggling of the eyes
• Fluctuation of eyelid position (drooping of eyelids that changes throughout the day)
• Drooping of the face
• Muscle spasm/twitching of eyelids or the face