Neuro-Ophthalmologists
What is a Neuro-Ophthalmologist?
Nervous system diseases can cause a wide range of vision complications. Our neuro-ophthalmologists are specialists who evaluate and treat patients with vision problems that originate in the brain or optic nerve, rather than the eye itself. Symptoms including pain, vision loss, and blurred vision can be difficult to distinguish from other conditions and can be indicative of serious underlying problems, making it imperative to receive an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
Some of the conditions we treat include ptosis, blepharospasm, optic neuritis, orbital tumors, adult strabismus, thyroid eye disease, optic nerve papilledema, optic nerve sheath meningioma, and double vision and eye movement abnormalities. Our neuro-ophthalmologists use state-of-the-art equipment and extensive expertise of the eyes, brain, nerves, and muscles to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat your condition.
What you can expect at Robert Cizik Eye Clinic
UTHealth brings together a multidisciplinary team of board-certified, board-eligible, fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, researchers, and pain management specialists who work to help provide relief for even the most complex problems. Your team will share insights, leading to better treatment decisions and outcomes.
We first investigate nonsurgical treatment options, including medical management, pain management, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and watchful waiting. When surgery is needed, our neurosurgeons routinely employ innovative minimally invasive techniques. Throughout the treatment process, we will work closely with the doctor who referred you to ensure a smooth transition back to your regular care. While you are with us, you will receive expert care, excellent communication, and genuine compassion.
Reasons to see our Neuro-ophthalmologists
Almost half of the brain is used for vision-related functions, so injuries, strokes, tumors, and infections can trigger nervous-system issues that impact vision. Patients may notice headaches, facial pain, blurred vision, or difficulty controlling eye movement. In some cases, the symptoms could be caused by an underlying disease, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or Lyme disease.
In other cases, an injury, tumor, or blood clot can squeeze the optic nerve, interrupting the transfer of visual information from the retina to the brain. Swelling and a restricted blood supply also can cause a variety of visual symptoms. Certain antibiotics can even trigger vision problems.
In addition to medical school, our neuro-ophthalmologists have at least five years of clinical training and are board certified in neurology, ophthalmology, or both, making them highly qualified to diagnose and treat your specific issues.
How to prepare for your appointment
Please allow several hours for your first appointment, as a complete neuro-ophthalmic evaluation often requires in-clinic testing, a review of medical records, a patient interview, and a comprehensive eye exam. A patient’s visual field, visual function, and eye structure will be examined, among other items.
When possible and applicable, please have your medical records sent to the neuro-ophthalmologist prior to your appointment. Do not wear eye makeup and plan to have someone else drive you home, as your eyes will likely be dilated during the exam.
Your neuro-ophthalmologists will develop a treatment plan for your specific condition. Options may include a surgical procedure or a medical therapy, such as botulinum toxin injections to stop muscle spasms. Most treatments can be done in an outpatient setting.
Contact Us
At Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, we offer patients access to highly specialized eye and vision care. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-9400, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.