Health & Medical Eye Health & Optical & Vision

Visually Evoked Response Tests For Optic Nerve Issues

The Visually Evoked Response test, also known as the Visually Evoked Potential test, is a test used to determine if there is a disease that is removing the myelin sheath along the optic nerve.
Because damage to the sheath is often overlooked by the patient due to lack of symptoms, the visually evoked response test is credited with clarifying a number of diagnoses well in advance of symptoms that would have been noticed.
There are a number of reasons that the myelin sheath along the nerve can be damaged.
Optic Neuritis or other demyelinating events like multiple sclerosis can cause trouble in the sheath without discernable symptoms.
Because of the Visually Evoked Response test can detect silent lesions and even episodes that have removed the sheath in the past, they are very useful diagnostic tools.
A definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis requires at least two distinct times that the myelin was removed or damaged in two different central nervous system sites which are separated by at least one month.
Even when other tests like MRI's cannot, visually evoked potential tests can often provide evidence of such episodes.
The test is painless and basically consists of the patient being fitted with EEG sensors at separate spots on their head.
One eye is tested while the other has an eye patch on it.
The patient then watches a lack and white checkered pattern on a TV screen in a darkened room.
The black and white squares alternate on a regular cycle which generates electrical pulses along the optic nerve and into the brain.
Each time the pattern on the TV screen is reversed there is a transmission along the optic nerve all the way through the optic areas of the brain.
When the signal gets all the way to the end of the optic pathway, the time the signal took to get to the end is noted.
If the time is slower than normal (normal being about 100 milliseconds) then there is an issue along the optic pathway.
The cause for a slowed time on the Visually Evoked Response test can be many things.
White matter lesions along the pathway, optic neuritis, MS or even a vitamin B12 deficiency can result in a slow time.
Finding out this information painlessly and quickly makes the visually evoked response test one of the most useful and accurate diagnostic tools available for optic path issues.
SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Health & Medical"
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Basics
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Basics
How to Remove Tint From Glasses
How to Remove Tint From Glasses
Comparison of PCO Between a 1-piece and 3-piece MICS IOL
Comparison of PCO Between a 1-piece and 3-piece MICS IOL
Foods That Will Help Improve Your Vision - Learn the Secret Foods That Help Correct Vision Naturally
Foods That Will Help Improve Your Vision - Learn the Secret Foods That Help Correct Vision Naturally
Lasik Eye Surgery - Finding The Right Surgeon
Lasik Eye Surgery - Finding The Right Surgeon
Wear Designer Eyeglasses instead of Contact Lenses
Wear Designer Eyeglasses instead of Contact Lenses
Kids Eye Care - Tips for Choosing the Best Eyewear for Kids
Kids Eye Care - Tips for Choosing the Best Eyewear for Kids
Outcomes of DALK After 'Big Bubble' Surgery
Outcomes of DALK After 'Big Bubble' Surgery
Systemic and Ophthalmic Manifestations of West Nile Virus Infection
Systemic and Ophthalmic Manifestations of West Nile Virus Infection
1-3 Month Disposable Contact Lenses - What You Should Know About Them
1-3 Month Disposable Contact Lenses - What You Should Know About Them
Four Categories of Color Contact Lenses and More Tips
Four Categories of Color Contact Lenses and More Tips
Ocular Surface Diseases and Corneal Refractive Surgery
Ocular Surface Diseases and Corneal Refractive Surgery
Improve Your Eyesight Naturally and Eliminate the Need For Glasses Or Contacts
Improve Your Eyesight Naturally and Eliminate the Need For Glasses Or Contacts
Acuvue ContactsChoose From The Numerous Varieties
Acuvue ContactsChoose From The Numerous Varieties
Why Should You Try Blue Colored Contacts?
Why Should You Try Blue Colored Contacts?
Exercises to Keep the Eyes Healthy
Exercises to Keep the Eyes Healthy
Locating the Medial Cut End of Lacerated Canaliculus
Locating the Medial Cut End of Lacerated Canaliculus
iPads May Help Those With 'Low Vision' Read Better
iPads May Help Those With 'Low Vision' Read Better
Best Golf Sunglasses - Not Just A Golf Accessory
Best Golf Sunglasses - Not Just A Golf Accessory
Progressive Vs. Lined Bifocal Lenses
Progressive Vs. Lined Bifocal Lenses
What to Expect From a Professional Eye Test?
What to Expect From a Professional Eye Test?
Contact Lenses
Contact Lenses

Leave Your Reply

*