OVC 2024 – Decoding Darkness: Neurological Insights into Blindness

Blindness can be partial or complete, unilateral or bilateral. The presentation depends on the aetiology and as such the general physical, ophthalmic and neurological examinations provide important clues as to the likely underlying problem. The main goals are to establish whether the blindness is the result of an opththalmological or a neurological disease and, in the event of a neurological condition being suspected, to accurately localize the lesion within the visual pathways. Having determine the neurological localization, a list of possible causes can be formulated. After this, it is important to proceed through a systematic investigation, selecting appropriate tests to diagnose and implement treatment for the underlying condition.