Conditions
Comprehensive guides to neuro-ophthalmology conditions affecting the visual system, optic nerves, and brain. Each condition page covers symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
123 condition guides reviewed by board-certified specialists
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
A sudden, painful eye emergency caused by blocked fluid drainage. Learn the symptoms, risk factors, and why immediate treatment is critical.
Compressive Optic Neuropathy
Vision loss from pressure on the optic nerve, usually from tumors, aneurysms, or other masses. Gradual vision loss is typical.
Dominant Optic Atrophy (Kjer Disease)
An inherited condition causing progressive bilateral vision loss from childhood due to optic nerve degeneration.
Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)
A serious inflammatory condition of blood vessels that can cause sudden blindness if not treated immediately. Learn the warning signs and why urgent treatment is critical.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri)
Increased pressure in the skull without a tumor causing headaches and vision problems. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and protecting your vision.
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Sudden vision loss from blood flow loss to the optic nerve. Learn about the difference between arteritic (GCA) and non-arteritic forms and why urgent evaluation is critical.
Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)
A genetic mitochondrial disorder causing rapid, severe vision loss in young adults, primarily affecting males.
Neuroretinitis
Inflammation of the optic nerve and retina, often caused by infection (especially cat scratch disease). Characterized by optic disc swelling with a macular star pattern.
Optic Disc Drusen
Calcified deposits within the optic nerve head that can mimic papilledema but are usually benign.
Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma
A rare, slow-growing benign tumor surrounding the optic nerve that causes progressive vision loss.
Optic Neuritis
Inflammation of the optic nerve causing vision loss, eye pain, and color vision changes. Learn about causes, diagnosis, treatment, and connection to multiple sclerosis.
Optic Pathway Glioma
Tumors of the optic nerve or visual pathway, most common in children and often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
Optic Perineuritis
Inflammation of the optic nerve sheath rather than the nerve itself, causing pain and mild vision loss.
Papilledema
Swelling of the optic discs from elevated pressure inside the skull. Papilledema is a sign of increased intracranial pressure requiring urgent investigation.
Pituitary Tumor
Tumors of the pituitary gland that can compress the optic nerves and chiasm, causing characteristic visual field loss and hormonal imbalances.
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
The most common form of glaucoma, causing gradual, painless vision loss. Learn about risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments to protect your sight.
Radiation-Induced Optic Neuropathy
Vision loss occurring months to years after radiation treatment to the head or orbit. A delayed complication of radiation therapy.
Toxic and Nutritional Optic Neuropathy
Vision loss from exposure to toxins (like methanol or certain medications) or nutritional deficiencies (like B12). Often reversible if caught early.
Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia (CPEO)
A mitochondrial disorder causing slowly progressive weakness of the eye muscles, leading to droopy eyelids and limited eye movement.
Duane Retraction Syndrome
A congenital eye movement disorder where the eye cannot turn outward fully and retracts into the socket when turning inward.
Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy (Trochlear Nerve Palsy)
Weakness of the fourth cranial nerve causing vertical double vision and compensatory head tilt. Often caused by trauma or present from birth.
Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia (INO)
A brainstem disorder causing impaired horizontal eye movement coordination. Often caused by multiple sclerosis in young adults or stroke in older patients.
Microvascular Cranial Nerve Palsy
The most common cause of isolated third, fourth, or sixth nerve palsies in adults. Caused by small vessel disease affecting blood supply to these nerves.
Ocular Myasthenia Gravis
An autoimmune condition causing muscle weakness that fluctuates, often affecting the eyes first with droopy eyelids and double vision.
Nystagmus
Involuntary rhythmic eye movements that may cause oscillopsia or reduced visual acuity depending on the type.
Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsy (Abducens Nerve Palsy)
Weakness of the sixth cranial nerve causing inability to move the eye outward and horizontal double vision. Often microvascular but can indicate serious conditions.
Skew Deviation
Vertical eye misalignment caused by brainstem or cerebellar lesions. The eyes are misaligned up and down rather than side to side.
Superior Oblique Myokymia
Intermittent, rapid contractions of the superior oblique muscle causing brief episodes of oscillopsia and monocular torsional diplopia.
Third Cranial Nerve Palsy (Oculomotor Nerve Palsy)
Weakness of the third cranial nerve causing droopy eyelid, double vision, and sometimes pupil abnormalities. Pupil involvement may indicate aneurysm—a medical emergency.
Adie's Tonic Pupil
A dilated pupil that reacts slowly to light due to damage to the nerve fibers controlling pupil constriction. Usually benign and often occurs in young women.
Argyll Robertson Pupils
Small, irregular pupils that constrict to near focus but not to light. A classic sign of neurosyphilis, though now rare.
Benign Essential Blepharospasm
Involuntary forceful closure of the eyelids from muscle spasms, causing functional blindness even when eyes are healthy.
Chalazion
A painless bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. Learn about causes, home treatment with warm compresses, and when surgery is needed.
Ectropion
A condition where the eyelid turns outward, exposing the inner surface and causing tearing, dryness, and irritation. Learn about types, causes, and surgical repair.
Entropion
A condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea. Learn about types, corneal damage risk, and surgical repair options.
Hemifacial Spasm
Involuntary twitching and spasms on one side of the face, usually caused by a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve.
Hordeolum (Stye)
A painful, red bump on the eyelid caused by an infected oil gland. Learn about symptoms, home treatment, and when to see a doctor.
Horner Syndrome
A constellation of findings including a smaller pupil, droopy eyelid, and sometimes facial sweating changes, indicating a problem in the sympathetic nerve pathway.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
A leading cause of dry eye where oil glands in the eyelids become blocked. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatments.
Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid)
Drooping of the upper eyelid, which can be present from birth or develop later in life. Causes range from age-related changes to serious neurological conditions.
Astigmatism
A common refractive error caused by irregular corneal curvature, resulting in blurred vision at all distances. Learn about causes and correction options.
Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO)
A blockage of a branch artery in the retina causing sudden vision loss in part of the visual field. Learn about causes, workup, and stroke risk.
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)
A blockage of a branch vein in the retina causing vision loss in part of the visual field. Learn about causes, treatment, and outcomes.
Cancer-Associated Visual Syndromes
Visual symptoms related to cancer, including paraneoplastic syndromes where the immune response to cancer damages the visual system, and direct effects of tumor spread.
Cavernous Sinus Syndrome
Multiple cranial nerve problems from a lesion in the cavernous sinus, causing eye movement problems, pain, and sensory changes.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
A stroke of the eye causing sudden, painless vision loss. Learn why this is an emergency and what it may indicate about your health.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)
A blockage of the main vein draining the retina, causing sudden vision loss and retinal hemorrhages. Learn about causes, complications, and treatment.
Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Visual hallucinations in people with vision loss, not a psychiatric condition but a brain response to reduced input.
Chemical Eye Burns
Eye injury from exposure to acids or alkalis requiring immediate irrigation. Learn emergency treatment and why alkali burns are more dangerous.
Corneal Abrasion
A scratch on the clear front surface of the eye causing pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. Learn about causes, treatment, and healing expectations.
Corneal Ulcer (Infectious Keratitis)
A serious eye infection causing an open sore on the cornea. Learn about causes, symptoms, and why immediate treatment is critical to save vision.
Cortical Cataract
A type of age-related cataract with spoke-like opacities in the outer lens cortex, causing glare and light scatter. Learn about symptoms and treatment.
Digital Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome)
Eye discomfort and vision problems from prolonged screen use. Learn about symptoms, causes, and the 20-20-20 rule for relief.
Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD)
The most common form of AMD, causing gradual central vision loss. Learn about stages, risk factors, AREDS supplements, and monitoring for progression.
Functional Vision Loss
Vision symptoms without identifiable structural damage. Symptoms are real and reflect functional brain-body processing changes that require supportive care and a respectful diagnostic approach.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
A refractive error where distant objects may be clearer than near objects. Learn about symptoms, why it causes eye strain, and treatment options.
Hyphema
Blood in the front chamber of the eye, usually from trauma. Learn about causes, treatment, complications, and why close monitoring is essential.
Intracranial Hypotension
Low pressure inside the skull from cerebrospinal fluid leak, causing positional headaches and sometimes visual symptoms.
Keratitis (Corneal Inflammation)
Inflammation of the cornea from infection, injury, or other causes. Learn about types, symptoms, and why prompt treatment is essential.
Long COVID Vision Issues
Visual symptoms that persist or develop following COVID-19 infection, including blurred vision, light sensitivity, and visual processing problems.
MOGAD (MOG Antibody Disease)
An autoimmune condition causing inflammation of the optic nerve and spinal cord, distinct from multiple sclerosis. Associated with antibodies against MOG protein.
Multiple Sclerosis Vision Complications
Multiple sclerosis frequently affects vision through optic neuritis, eye movement problems, and other visual disturbances. Learn about MS-related vision issues.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
A common vision condition where near objects are clear but distant objects appear blurry. Learn about causes, progression, and myopia control options.
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO/Devic's Disease)
An autoimmune condition attacking the optic nerves and spinal cord, distinct from multiple sclerosis, requiring specific diagnosis and treatment.
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
The early stage of diabetic eye disease with retinal changes but no abnormal blood vessel growth. Learn about stages, monitoring, and prevention of progression.
Nuclear Cataract
The most common type of age-related cataract, affecting the center of the lens. Learn about symptoms, including 'second sight,' and treatment.
Ocular Sarcoidosis
Eye inflammation caused by sarcoidosis, a systemic condition that forms granulomas. Can affect the uvea, lacrimal glands, optic nerve, and orbit.
Open Globe Injury
A full-thickness wound of the eye wall requiring emergency surgery. Learn about recognition, first aid, and why immediate action is critical.
Orbital Fracture
A break in one or more bones surrounding the eye, often from blunt trauma. Learn about types, symptoms, and when surgery is needed.
Post-Traumatic Vision Syndrome
Visual symptoms following head injury or concussion, including focusing problems, light sensitivity, and reading difficulties even when the eyes appear normal.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract (PSC)
A cataract at the back of the lens causing reading difficulty and glare, often progressing faster than other types. Common with steroid use and diabetes.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
A common age-related change where the vitreous gel separates from the retina, causing floaters and flashes. Learn what's normal and when to worry.
Presbyopia
Age-related loss of near focusing ability, typically beginning in the 40s. Learn why reading glasses become necessary and what options are available.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
Advanced diabetic eye disease with abnormal blood vessel growth that can cause severe vision loss. Learn about treatment and preventing blindness.
Retinal Detachment
A sight-threatening emergency where the retina separates from the back of the eye. Learn warning signs, risk factors, and why immediate treatment is critical.
Stroke-Related Vision Loss
Vision loss or visual symptoms caused by stroke affecting the visual pathways in the brain. Includes visual field defects, double vision, and visual processing problems.
Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Orbitopathy)
An autoimmune condition affecting the eyes in patients with thyroid problems, causing bulging eyes, double vision, and rarely vision-threatening complications.
Visual Snow Syndrome
A neurological condition causing constant visual static or 'snow' across the entire visual field, often with other visual disturbances and migraines.
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)
An advanced form of AMD where abnormal blood vessels leak fluid into the macula. Learn why prompt treatment with injections is critical to preserve vision.
Central Serous Retinopathy
Fluid buildup under the macula causing blurred or distorted central vision, often linked to stress and corticosteroids. Learn about causes, prognosis, and treatment.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Fluid accumulation in the macula from diabetes, causing blurred central vision. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and highly effective treatments.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes-related damage to the retinal blood vessels causing vision problems. Learn about stages, symptoms, and treatments to preserve vision.
Epiretinal Membrane
A thin layer of scar tissue on the macula surface causing distorted or blurred vision. Learn about causes, when surgery is needed, and what to expect.
Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in adults over 50. Learn about dry and wet AMD types, symptoms by stage, diagnostic imaging, anti-VEGF treatments, AREDS2 supplements, and how to monitor your vision at home.
Macular Edema
Swelling in the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. Learn about causes, diagnosis, and treatments.
Macular Hole
A small break in the macula that causes blurred and distorted central vision. Learn about stages, vitrectomy surgery, and recovery expectations.
Retinal Tear
A break in the retina that can lead to retinal detachment if untreated. Usually caused by vitreous pulling on the retina during posterior vitreous detachment.
Retinal Vascular Disease
Conditions affecting the blood vessels of the retina including retinal vein and artery occlusions. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
An inherited retinal degeneration causing progressive night blindness and peripheral vision loss. Learn about symptoms, genetic testing, and emerging treatments.
Vitreous Hemorrhage
Bleeding into the vitreous cavity of the eye, causing sudden floaters, blurred vision, or vision loss. Requires prompt evaluation to identify the underlying cause.