Neuro-Ophthalmology

Sometimes vision worsens because of problems in the brain or with muscles and nerves tied to the eyes. Examples include brain tumors and strokes, with the potential for symptoms such as double or blurry vision to come on quickly.

While these changes may initially alarm you, the MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute can protect your eyesight. We are one of the few programs in the Southeast with a neuro-ophthalmologist, a specialty that offers the combined expertise of a brain specialist (neurologist) and eye doctor. We find the source of the problem and recommend the most effective treatment.

Neuro-Ophthalmology: Why Choose Storm Eye Institute?

MUSC Health is home to South Carolina’s only dedicated neuro-ophthalmologist. Our expert has decades of experience caring for children and adults, so you can count on us to meet your every need. We offer complete care close to home, with accurate diagnosis and a broad range of treatment options.

Highlights of our services include:

• Expertise: Our neuro-ophthalmologist is board-certified, having passed a rigorous test of skills and knowledge. Our expert also completed additional, specialized fellowship training in brain, nerve and muscle problems affecting the eyes. We offer a level of expertise that assures the best possible care even for complex problems.
• Access to Other Eye Specialists: For complex eye problems such as cancer, you have access to any specialist you could possibly need. Our team includes the only dedicated eye cancer doctor (ocular oncologist) in South Carolina. No matter the diagnosis, few eye programs in the Lowcountry can match our team’s collective expertise. Read more about eye conditions and services.
• Coordinated Care: Our neuro-ophthalmologist works with equally skilled experts from other MUSC Health programs to help you get the best results. For example, we partner with MUSC Health’s nationally recognized neurology and neurosurgery programs to treat complications from stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Find a provider.
• Convenience: We help you get the most out of each visit. If you don’t live nearby and need to see multiple experts, we try to schedule your appointments for the same day. If you need multiple tests, we do everything possible to help you complete them in one visit. We help you start feeling better as quickly as possible.

How Can a Neuro-Ophthalmologist Help Me?

When you experience a problem such as difficulty moving your eyes or suddenly losing your vision, we consider all the possibilities. We have experienced treating complications from a range of medical conditions, including:

• Brain tumors
• Diseases affecting your immune system, such as Graves disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
• Serious head injuries (trauma)

Neuro-Ophthalmology Services

Your care starts with a detailed evaluation. Our neuro-ophthalmologist carefully examines interactions between the eyes and brain, getting to the source of the problem. We then recommend individualized treatments to restore vision. Even if other treatments have not been successful, we don’t stop until you get the relief you need.

Your care may include:

• Specialized Testing: At MUSC Health, you have access to the latest imaging technologies, including ocular coherence tomography (OCT). This test uses light waves to examine eye tissue layer by layer. We are also one of few programs in the Lowcountry offering multifocal electroretinogram (ERG) to detect problems in the back of the eye (retina).
• Medications: If symptoms are due to an infection, you may feel better after taking antibiotics. If you experience swelling, you may need a strong dose of steroids.
• Surgery: If surgery is necessary, you have access to nearly every available surgical treatment. Our neuro-ophthalmologist performs some procedures. You may also receive care from other members of the Storm Eye team, including experts in reconstructive eye surgery. Read more about oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery.
• Low-Vision Therapy: If other treatments fail to relieve symptoms, you are not out of options. Our team includes optometrists and therapists who help people with partial but permanent vision loss (low vision) maximize their remaining eyesight. Find out more about specialized optometry services.