Neurological disorders of the eye have the potential to severely affect your life, by limiting your capacity to see. Eye disorders with a neurological origin include oculomotor nerve palsy, Horner’s syndrome, blepharospasm, ischemic optic neuropathy and glaucoma. Each is caused by damage to the nerves of the eyes or to areas of the brain related to eye function, in response to infection, trauma, an autoimmume disorder or stroke. Treatments depend upon the underlying cause but as of 2010, they are somewhat limited.
Oculomotor Nerve Palsy
Oculomotor nerve palsy is an eye condition resulting from damage to the third cranial nerve - the oculomotor nerve. The oculomotor nerve controls most of the eye muscles. With this condition, the eye is in a down and outward position, relative to the other eye, the eyelid is drooped, and the pupil is dilated. Overall, normal alignment of the eyes is impossible and therefore, double vision occurs. Treatment is not available; however, medications can alleviate symptoms such as pain. Spontaneous recovery within six to eight weeks is common, according to Loyola University.
Horner's Syndrome
Horner’s syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that affects the nerves supplying the eyes and face. Caused by direct trauma, migraines, stroke or tumor, symptoms include decreased facial sweating, sunken eyes, drooping eyelid and constricted pupil. There are no treatments for Horner’s syndrome, according to The University of Maryland.
Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is a neurological condition characterized by sudden, involuntary eyelid closure. The condition usually affects both eyes and is exacerbated by bright light. Daily activities are affected such as reading, driving and watching television. The eye spasms can be inhibited briefly by averting attention to other tasks such as pulling on the eyelid, talking, singing, relaxing and reading; however, improvement is observed mostly with botulism toxin injections into the eyelid and eyebrow regions, according to Bayer College of Medicine.
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Ischemic optic neuropathy is a sudden loss of vision, caused by the cessation of blood to the nerves of the lower half of the eye. Presently, treatments are unavailable, but optic prisms can help to correct partial vision if it is retained, according to The University of Illinois.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a variety of eye diseases that result in increased eye pressure, causing optic nerve damage. The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eyes to the brain. Symptoms begin with blind spots in the visual field. If left untreated, glaucoma leads to blindness. There is no cure for glaucoma; however, medication, eye drops and eye surgery are used to slow the progression, according to The University of Michigan.
