Treatments for Neurological-Related Eye Disorders

Duke Eye Center’s neuro-ophthalmologists are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders that accompany neurological diseases of the brain, orbit, optic nerve, and eye muscles.

In particular, we evaluate vision loss and eye movement abnormalities resulting from brain tumors, strokes, multiple sclerosis, head trauma, or neurodegenerative conditions.

Our doctors are also surgically trained in eyelid, optic nerve, orbital, and strabismus procedures.

Botulinum toxin (BOTOX) injections are available to treat hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm.

Complex diagnostic problems and ocular manifestations of systemic diseases also fall within the service’s expertise.

Other conditions diagnosed and treated include:

• Disorders of the optic chiasm (i.e. pituitary tumors)
• Compressive optic neuropathy
• Ischemic optic neuropathy
• Optic neuritis/multiple sclerosis
• Papilledema
• Double vision
• Ocular motor cranial palsies (III, IV, or VI)
• Supranuclear disorders of eye movement (i.e., progressive supranuclear palsy)
• Ocular myasthenia gravis
• Thyroid eye disease
• Proptosis
• Pupillary abnormalities
• Unexplained vision loss
• Visual field defects from strokes or intracranial tumors
• Transient vision loss (Amaurosis fugax)
• Mitochondrial diseases (Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia)
• Visual disturbances
• Eyelid abnormalities
• Nystagmus
• Migraine
• Temporal arteritis or giant cell arteritis

A full range of diagnostic services are offered, including neuro-imaging (MRI and CT). The neuro-ophthalmology service at Duke Eye Center also has a strong relationship with the divisions of neurology and neurosurgery, often working in a multidisciplinary approach on complex cases.

Referrals

Patients are scheduled for neuro-ophthalmology consultations on referral from an eye doctor, neurologist, neurosurgeon, or other physician.

A clinical summary, either a referral letter or copies of medical reports, should be sent to the Eye Center before the appointment.

For appointments, call 919-681-3937.