August 13, 2024

Third Cranial Nerve Palsy

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that control most head and neck functions. These functions include swallowing, facial sensations, eye movements and other facial movements. The third cranial nerve controls specific eye movements, certain…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that control most head and neck functions. These functions include swallowing, facial sensations, eye movements and other facial movements.

The third cranial nerve controls specific eye movements, certain pupil functions and upper eyelid function. If this nerve isn’t working properly on one or both sides of the head, this refers to ‘third nerve palsy’.

What is Third Nerve Palsy?

Third nerve palsy, also known as ‘oculomotor nerve palsy’, occurs when the third cranial nerve is damaged by disease or injury.

The third cranial nerve controls the actions of four external eye muscles. These muscles are responsible for moving the eye upward and downward, rotating the eye outward and downward toward the ear and turning the eye inward.

The third cranial nerve also controls focusing abilities, upper eyelid position and pupil constriction.

Since many of the eye’s muscles are controlled by the third nerve, palsy of this nerve can result in partial or complete paralysis of the eye muscles.

Symptoms of third nerve palsy include:

  • An enlarged pupil that does not react normally to light
  • Double vision (diplopia)
  • Droopy eyelid (ptosis)
  • Eye misalignment (strabismus)
  • Tilted head to compensate for binocular vision difficulties

What Causes Third Nerve Palsy?

The most common causes of third nerve palsy include:

  • Birth trauma
  • Brain tumour
  • Aneurysm
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Head injury
  • Migraine
  • Infection
  • Vaccination

How is Third Nerve Palsy Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition.

For example, surgery may be recommended if an aneurysm or tumour is pressing on the nerve, as it will help relieve the pressure on the nerve and promote healing.

In order to relieve double vision and eye misalignment, the following treatments may be recommended:

  • Vision therapy
  • Patching one eye to improve binocular vision
  • Prism lenses to reduce or eliminate double vision
  • Muscle surgery to realign the eyes
  • Eyelid surgery to correct the ptosis

Vision therapy is a customized program that is effective for some patients with third nerve palsy, as it can help to improve the control of eye movements and binocular vision.

If you notice any sudden changes in your vision, especially double vision or an eye turn, contact Opto-Mization to schedule your comprehensive eye exam as soon as possible.

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
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Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
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Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
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  • Wednesday:
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  • Saturday:
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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.