SUMMARY
Misha L. Pless, M.D., specializes in neuro-ophthalmology and neurology. His main areas of research include optic nerve demyelination, ischemia of the optic nerve and autoimmune diseases that affect the visual pathways. Another area of study includes malignancies that affect the visual circuit.
Focus areas
- Optic nerve axonal survival in multiple sclerosis.
- Visual function outcomes analysis after pituitary tumor decompression.
- Outcomes analysis in medical versus surgical treatment of pseudotumor cerebri.
- Oral immunotherapy in multiple sclerosis.
Significance to patient care
Studying the optic nerve and the visual pathways is crucial for advancing understanding of vision. This understanding is important from the neurological and ocular points of view. There are countless disorders that affect vision, and many of them have neurological origins.
Dr. Pless studies how immune diseases affect vision. His research of demyelinating conditions such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica contribute to the development of clinical and diagnostic tools and treatment options.
Medicine has come a long way in the treatment of optic nerve diseases. Dr. Pless strives to reverse axonal loss from inflammation of the optic nerve and to enable regeneration of optic nerve tissue in people with blindness or low vision so they can see again.