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Higher Cortical Dysfunction Presenting as Visual Symptoms in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Yin Liu1,2, Victoria S Pelak3, Gregory van Stavern4
1Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States.
Frontiers in Neurology
|September 9, 2020
Summary
Neuro-ophthalmologists evaluate visual symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases. Barriers like time, resources, and knowledge hinder diagnosis, necessitating further research for improved patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Aging populations increase neurodegenerative disease prevalence, impacting healthcare.
- Visual symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases are challenging to identify, especially with co-existing eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey neuro-ophthalmologists on diagnosing visual dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
- To identify barriers encountered in diagnosing these visual complications.
Main Methods:
- A seven-question web-based survey was administered to neuro-ophthalmologists at a 2017 symposium.
- Survey content included demographics, patient prevalence, and perceived diagnostic barriers.
Main Results:
- 55 neuro-ophthalmologists participated; 40% attributed visual complaints to higher-order effects in at least 25% of patients with prior neurodegenerative disease diagnoses.
- Key barriers included referral difficulties (73%), lack of time (62%), insufficient tools (40%), and limited knowledge (31%).
Conclusions:
- Neuro-ophthalmologists diagnose visual symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases, but face significant barriers.
- Lack of time, resources, and knowledge impede diagnosis, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic strategies and further research.
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