Neuro-Ophthalmology
at Hashemi Eye Care
At Hashemi Eye Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex neuro-ophthalmic conditions, offering personalized care for patients facing intricate vision and neurological challenges.
What Is Neuro-Ophthalmology?
Neuro-ophthalmology focuses on visual problems related to the nervous system, including the optic nerve, brain, and eye movement muscles. These issues are often linked to neurological diseases or systemic conditions that affect how the brain interprets and processes visual information.
What Is a Neuro-Ophthalmologist?
A neuro-ophthalmologist specializes in diagnosing and treating visual problems that stem from the nervous system rather than the eyes themselves. Vision is a complex process, with nearly half of the brain involved in vision-related functions such as sight and eye movement. Neuro-ophthalmology is a subspecialty of both neurology and ophthalmology, requiring years of advanced training to address conditions that affect the eye, brain, nerves, and muscles.
Neuro-ophthalmologists undergo at least five years of clinical training after medical school and often hold board certifications in neurology, ophthalmology, or both. This unique expertise allows them to evaluate patients from neurological, ophthalmological, and medical perspectives, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
Our team is led by Dr. Hashemi, who received neuro-ophthalmology fellowship training under the mentorship of world-renowned neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Lee. Additionally, Dr. Ghiam brings expertise from his training at USC Roski Eye Institute, where he developed a passion for managing complex neuro-ophthalmic conditions.
Common Neuro-Ophthalmic Conditions We Treat
Our neuro-ophthalmology specialists are equipped to handle some of the most challenging conditions, often referred by other physicians for advanced care. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of:
Optic Nerve Disease: Conditions affecting the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss, color vision issues, and other symptoms.
Optic Neuritis: This is an inflammation of the optic nerve, commonly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). It often causes sudden vision loss, pain during eye movement, and can be one of the first symptoms of MS.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH): Also known as pseudotumor cerebri, IIH involves increased pressure within the brain, which can cause swelling of the optic nerve (papilledema). This swelling can lead to visual disturbances, including temporary or permanent vision loss if untreated.
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA): This is an inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis), which can affect the arteries supplying the optic nerve. It can cause sudden vision loss, and immediate treatment is critical to prevent permanent damage.
Intracranial, Pituitary, Orbital Tumors: Tumors in these regions can press on the optic nerve or other parts of the visual pathway, leading to visual field defects or vision loss, depending on the location and size of the tumor.
Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy): An autoimmune disorder that causes bulging eyes, double vision, and other symptoms due to thyroid dysfunction.
Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A neuromuscular condition causing weakness in the eye muscles, leading to double vision and drooping eyelids.
Bell’s Palsy: A condition causing temporary paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles, affecting eye function.
Cranial and Ocular Motor Nerve Palsies: Disorders affecting the cranial nerves that control eye movements, resulting in misalignment, double vision, and difficulty focusing.
Double Vision (Diplopia): Difficulty seeing a single image due to misalignment of the eyes.
Convergence Insufficiency: A condition where the eyes struggle to work together when focusing on close objects, leading to eye strain and blurred vision.
Why Choose Us for Neuro-Ophthalmology Care?
At Hashemi Eye Care, we stand out for our expertise in neuro-ophthalmology. Dr. Hashemi is renowned for taking on the most challenging cases, making her a sought-after specialist for complex neuro-ophthalmic conditions. Her dedication to ongoing research keeps her at the forefront of neuro-ophthalmic advancements. Dr. Ghiam is equally committed to providing personalized care, ensuring each patient receives tailored treatment that addresses their unique medical needs.
Both doctors are members of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS), reflecting their commitment to the highest standards of neuro-ophthalmic care. Learn more about NANOS.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms related to a neuro-ophthalmic condition, trust the experts at Hashemi Eye Care. With specialized training and extensive experience, our team is dedicated to restoring your vision and improving your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive neuro-ophthalmology evaluation.
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques
At Hashemi Eye Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex neuro-ophthalmic conditions that often go undiagnosed. Our practice utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to ensure an accurate assessment of neuro-ophthalmic disorders, which are often complex and multifaceted.
While we don’t perform MRI or CT scans on-site, we have strong referral networks with top radiology centers for advanced imaging. These diagnostic tools allow us to investigate deeper into the brain and orbital structures when necessary. Our diagnostic capabilities include:
Visual Field Testing: A crucial test for assessing peripheral vision loss, often used to diagnose conditions like Optic Nerve Disorders and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH).
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging technique provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve, helping us detect diseases such as Optic Neuritis and Papilledema.
If more extensive imaging is required, we collaborate closely with local facilities to arrange MRI and CT scans, which provide a detailed view of brain and orbital structures, allowing us to evaluate the extent of conditions such as Pituitary Tumors, Cranial Nerve Palsies, and Giant Cell Arteritis.
Comprehensive Treatment for Neuro-Ophthalmic Conditions
Treatment options for neuro-ophthalmic conditions are highly individualized, depending on the underlying cause of the issue. At Hashemi Eye Care, our specialists are equipped to manage a broad range of conditions with cutting-edge treatments and therapies, including:
Medications: Steroids, immunosuppressants, and other medications are used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as Optic Neuritis and Thyroid Eye Disease. For cases like Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), medications like Acetazolamide can relieve pressure.
Surgery: In more severe conditions, surgical intervention may be necessary. We work closely with surgeons for procedures that address issues such as Cranial Nerve Palsies, Pituitary Tumors, or IIH when pressure-reducing surgery becomes essential.
Medical Botox: Used to manage Blepharospasm, Hemifacial Spasms, and Migraines; Botox helps alleviate symptoms such as drooping eyelids or uncontrolled muscle movements. Learn more about our Medical Botox treatments here.
Vision Therapy: For conditions such as Convergence Insufficiency or Double Vision (Diplopia), vision therapy helps retrain the eyes to work together more effectively. This approach reduces symptoms and improves the quality of life for patients who experience difficulty with eye coordination.
To learn more about neuro-ophthalmic conditions and treatments, we encourage patients to explore resources like the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS), where both of our doctors are active members.
At Hashemi Eye Care, we pride ourselves on providing solutions where others have struggled. Our team of neuro-ophthalmology specialists, including Dr. Hashemi and Dr. Ghiam, are committed to uncovering the root cause of even the most perplexing vision problems, offering expert care and compassionate treatment.
External Links
For more information on Neuro-Ophthalmology, visit:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How is Neuro-Ophthalmology different from regular Ophthalmology?
While general ophthalmologists focus on eye health and vision correction, neuro-ophthalmologists specialize in complex visual disorders related to the brain and nervous system. They diagnose conditions that affect eye movement, optic nerves, and visual pathways, often requiring neurological evaluations.
2. Do I need a referral to see a Neuro-Ophthalmologist?
Although many patients are referred to us after seeing multiple specialists, you don’t always need a referral. If you’re experiencing unexplained visual symptoms like double vision, sudden vision loss, or abnormal eye movements, you can schedule a consultation with us directly.
3. What should I expect during my appointment?
Expect a comprehensive evaluation, where we thoroughly review your medical history, perform advanced eye exams, and collaborate with specialists in neurology or other fields. We are known for handling complex cases, so we take a detailed, personalized approach to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
