Neuro-ophthalmology

Mydriasis physiology Mydriasis refers to physiologic or pharmacologic pupillary dilation. Physiologic pupillary dilation occurs naturally as a response to low light and viewing objects in the distance. This process is mediated by both the iris sphincter and the iris dilator muscles, the latter of which contracts in response to sympathetic stimulation and relaxes in response to […]

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrially inherited optic nerve disease characterized by bilateral (sequential or simultaneous), subacute, painless central vision loss.1 LHON was first described in 1871 by the German ophthalmologist Theodor Leber.2 However, it was not until 1988 that the mitochondrial mutation was discovered by Wallace et al.3 LHON is the most common hereditary mitochondrial optic neuropathy. Several primary mitochondrial […]

Nonorganic vision loss (NOVL) or functional vision loss (FVL) is the presence of abnormal vision, or visual fields, without an organic pathology, despite a thorough and comprehensive evaluation. The symptoms will be inconsistent with the results of an objective examination.1–3 In some cases, vision loss is intentionally feigned, while in others it occurs under unconscious conditions. […]

As the percentage of elderly people that make up the population of the USA grows, it is imperative to shift our focus on how to best address their needs and outline an approach to the geriatric eye. This review describes common physiologic and pathologic conditions affecting the aging eye including presbyopia, posterior cortical atrophy, giant […]