Neuro-Ophthalmology for Internists

Abstract

Neuro-ophthalmology is the study of the neurologic underpinnings of vision and includes a fascinating variety of disorders that span the broad spectrum of ophthalmic and neurologic disease. This subspecialty relies heavily on accurate neuroanatomic localization and examination. This article discusses neuro-ophthalmic complaints that frequently present to the internist, including acute vision loss, double vision, and unequal pupils. It focuses on pertinent clinical features of the most common causes of these chief complaints and additionally highlights salient points of history, diagnosis, examination, and management with special emphasis on the signs and symptoms that should prompt expedited evaluation.

Keywords: Double vision; Neuro-ophthalmology; Unequal pupils; Vision loss.