neuro-ophthalmology

Microvascular Cranial Nerve Palsy

Microvascular Cranial Nerve Palsy
Microvascular Cranial Nerve Palsy is one of the most common causes of double vision in the older population.

It occurs more often in patients with diabetes and high blood pressure. MCNP is sometimes referred to as a “diabetic” palsy. This condition almost always resolves on its own without leaving any double vision.

Symptoms may include:

weakness in one or more eye muscles
blurred vision that improves by closing either eye
double vision
pain in or around the eye (related to lack of blood flow to the covering of the brain), which commonly occurs at the onset of double vision
drooping eyelid (called ptosis)
enlarged pupil (rarely)

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis is a condition in which the body’s immune system damages nerve receptors on your muscles. This results in apparent muscle weakness, as these receptors are necessary for your muscles to contract. If the eyelid muscles are affected by MG, this can result in lid droop (ptosis). If it involves the muscles needed for eye movement, it can result in double vision.

Optic Neuritis

Optic Neuritis
Optic Neuritis is an inflammation of the Optic Nerve. In order for you to see, the optic nerve carries nerve impulses from the eye to the brain, where they are interpreted as images. Damage or infection of the optic nerve can affect vision significantly.

Optic neuritis may occur in one or both eyes. Symptoms may appear suddenly or slowly (over a few days) and may include:

blurred vision
dim vision (as if someone turned down the lights)
abnormal color vision (colors appear dull and faded)
pain in the back of the eye socket
pain when moving the eyes

The symptoms may get worse with heat or exhaustion, particularly when exercising or taking a bath. If optic neuritis goes undiagnosed and untreated, the symptoms may continue to get worse.