Comprehensive Neuro-Ophthalmology for Adults & Children

What is Neuro-Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology focuses on the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to performing surgery. In some instances, visual disturbances problems aren't related to your eyes, but rather your central nervous system. Nearly half of your brain is dedicated to sight and eye movement. That's where neuro-ophthalmology comes into play. Neuro-ophthalmology is a subspecialty of ophthalmology combining neurology and ophthalmology and requiring expertise in physical problems relating to your eyes, brain, nerves, and muscles. Additional training is required to become a neuro-ophthalmologist.

At its worst, issues relating to the nervous system can lead to loss of sight impacting your optic nerves that transmit visual signals from your eyes to the brain. Neurological damage may be caused by trauma, inflammation, strokes, tumors, toxicities or infections. Common issues relating to neuro-ophthalmology include optic nerve issues, visual field loss, double vision, abnormal eye movements, myasthenia gravis, and unequal pupil size, among others.

If you've experienced any loss of visual acuity, visual field or color vision, have issues moving your eyes, have been diagnosed with a tumor, or have unequal pupils, it's best to consult with a neuro-ophthalmologist.

What Does a Neuro-Ophthalmologist Do?

A neuro-ophthalmologist evaluates and diagnoses neurological and systemic diseases that affect your eyes. For instances where visual disturbances remain unresolved despite ophthalmic and neurological evaluations, a neuro-ophthalmologist will be called in. Diagnostic services may include:

Fundus photography using a high-resolution camera to accurately capture images of the eye and optic nerve
Humphrey visual testing to screen patients for potential optic nerve conditions
Optical coherence tomography that uses light wave to take images of the retina's inside

What Does Neuro-Ophthalmology Treat?

A neuro-ophthalmologist collaborates with other disciplines including endocrinology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and radiation oncology to diagnose and then treat numerous conditions. That treatment may include surgery for adults or children. Women, in particular, may benefit from visiting a neuro-ophthalmologist as they are more likely to experience neurological problems like migraines and multiple sclerosis that can product ophthalmic complications. You can see what conditions may require assessment and treatment by a neuro-ophthalmologist below:

Adult Treatment

Diplopia (double vision)
Strabismus or failure of the two eyes to maintain proper alignment and work together
Double vision
Intracranial lesions
Pupillary abnormalities
Unexplained vision loss
Stroke
Concussions
Brain tumors and aneurysms
Multiple Sclerosis
Myasthenia Gravis or muscle weakness
Pseudotumor Cerebi or benign brain pressure
Temporal arteritis where the temporal arteries become inflamed or damaged
Optic nerve diseases like optic neuritis and neuropathy
Grave's Disease impacting the thyroid
Parkinson's Disease
Lyme Disease
Meningitis or brain inflammation
Degenerative neurological diseases
Facial movement disorders and headache
Blepharospasm or eyelid twitching
Hemifacial spasm occurring on ½ the face
Migraine
Torticollis or head and neck tilting

Children and Infant Treatment

Congenital malformations of the eye and brain
Genetic disorders like Down's Syndrome
Brain disorders like hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy
Concussions

Dr. Klombers

Dr. Klombers' calm and patient manner sets his patients at ease immediately, while his skill at solving problems and putting his patients' best interest first has earned him recognition as one of the top doctors in the nation.

Dr. Klombers has specialized in neuro-ophthalmology since he began his private practice over 26 years ago and currently sees over 11,000 patients every year, performing over 500 surgical procedures on both adults and children.

Dr. Andrews

Dr. Andrews developed her passion for children while working at her family's preschool at the age of 16. Dr. Andrews has extensive training in the management of conditions in pediatric patients such as strabismus, amblyopia, and medically necessary contact lenses in infants and pediatric patients. She also enjoys caring for adults with double vision, patients with neurological conditions, and individuals with disabilities.

If you've been experiencing visual disturbances or issues that have remained undiagnosed, schedule a visit with our neuro-ophthalmologist today. We'll evaluate your condition, diagnose the issue and provide a treatment course. It's important to bring any relevant medical records to your appointment including radiology reports or any MRI or CT scans of your brain or eyes. Neuro-ophthalmology examinations may take longer than a routine eye exam.

Campus Office