Symptoms
Understanding your symptoms is the first step toward getting the right care. Our symptom guides explain what you might be experiencing, potential causes, and when to seek evaluation by a neuro-ophthalmologist.
19 symptom guides reviewed by board-certified specialists
Blurred Vision
When things look fuzzy or out of focus, it may signal anything from needing new glasses to a serious neurological condition. Learn about the causes and when to seek care.
Loss of Central Vision
Central vision allows you to see fine detail, read, and recognize faces. Learn about conditions that can cause a blurry or missing spot in the center of your vision.
Color Vision Changes
Colors appearing washed out, altered, or different between eyes can indicate optic nerve problems or other conditions. Learn about causes of acquired color vision changes.
Double Vision (Diplopia)
Seeing two images of a single object can be alarming. Learn what causes double vision, when it's serious, and what to expect at your appointment.
Oscillopsia
The sensation that the world is bouncing or jiggling, often due to nystagmus or vestibular problems, can be disorienting. Learn about causes and management.
Loss of Peripheral Vision
Tunnel vision or loss of side vision can affect navigation and safety. Learn about the causes and how peripheral vision loss is evaluated.
Photopsia (Flashes of Light)
Seeing flashes of light when there is no external source. Learn what causes light flashes in your vision, when they're serious, and when to seek emergency care.
Transient Vision Loss
Temporary blackouts, dimming, or graying of vision lasting seconds to minutes can be warning signs of serious conditions. Learn what causes these episodes.
Vision Loss
Partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes is a serious symptom that requires prompt medical attention. Learn about the causes and what to expect.
Visual Aura
Flashes of light, zigzag lines, or scintillating spots that often precede migraine headaches. Learn about visual aura and when it needs evaluation.
Visual Field Deficits
Blind spots, missing areas, or gaps in your vision can indicate problems anywhere from the eye to the brain. Learn about different types of visual field loss.
Visual Hallucinations
Seeing things that aren't there—from simple shapes and lights to complex scenes—can have many causes. Learn when visual hallucinations require medical attention.
Eye Pain
Pain in or around the eye has many causes, from minor irritation to serious conditions requiring urgent care. Learn what different types of eye pain may indicate.
Eye Strain and Fatigue
Tired, aching eyes from prolonged visual tasks are common but usually manageable. Learn about causes and how to reduce eye strain.
Headache
Headaches often have visual components or can be caused by eye conditions. Learn when headache may be related to your eyes or indicate a neuro-ophthalmologic problem.
Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)
Discomfort or pain in bright light can indicate eye surface problems, inflammation, or neurological conditions. Learn about the causes of light sensitivity.
Bulging Eye (Proptosis)
When one or both eyes protrude forward, it can indicate thyroid disease, orbital inflammation, or other conditions requiring evaluation.
Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis)
A droopy eyelid can be cosmetic, functional, or a sign of serious neurological conditions. Learn when ptosis needs urgent evaluation.
Unequal Pupil Size (Anisocoria)
When one pupil is larger or smaller than the other, it may be normal or indicate a neurological problem. Learn how to tell the difference.