Brain Disorders Involving Vision

Regions of the brain control everything our bodies do – from the beating of our hearts to our ability to see and hear. There are many brain conditions that can affect vision, such as:

• Multiple sclerosis: condition in which the immune system breaks down the protective covering of the nerves
• Parkinson’s disease: disorder that affects movement and causes tremors
• Progressive supranuclear palsy: brain disorder that causes serious problems with walking, balance, and eye movements

Symptoms of cerebrovascular disorders include:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Difficulty with reading

Tests

Comprehensive Exam – Your doctor will conduct a thorough exam of your eyes and ask for your health history to diagnose the visual problem associated with the condition.

Visual field – Visual field assesses both central and peripheral vision.

Imaging – Your doctor may order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to identify the cause of the visual disturbance.

Treatments

Prism glasses – In some cases, your ophthalmologist may prescribe specialized glasses with prisms to help decrease the symptoms of this condition.

Medication – In some cases, your ophthalmologist may prescribe an intravenous or oral (taken by mouth) medication to help decrease the symptoms of this condition.