Vision problems in MS:
If you've ever had double or blurred vision, eye pain or any visual limitations, you're not alone. Up to 80% of people living with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) have experienced vision difficulties. In fact, a vision problem is often one of the first symptoms of relapsing MS. Fortunately, vision problems are usually temporary.
MS is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the optic nerve — the nerve that transmits light and visual images to the brain.
Three visual disorders associated with MS are:
Another cause of vision impairment could be a rise in body temperature, whether from strenuous exercise, a hot bath or the weather. Heat-related vision difficulties usually diminish after you cool off.
Fortunately, many times vision problems are often temporary and heal on their own. Steroids are often prescribed for optic neuritis. Resting your eyes periodically throughout the day and/or wearing an eye patch can help reduce double vision. Nystagmus associated with a relapse is often treated with steroids. Nystagmus that is chronic and interferes with normal vision is more difficult to treat and requires expert evaluation and often treatment with drugs such as gabapentin.
Source: http://www.mslifelines.com/pages/what-is-ms/symptom_detail_vision_problems
MS is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the optic nerve — the nerve that transmits light and visual images to the brain.
Three visual disorders associated with MS are:
- Optic Neuritis -- An inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause sudden loss or blurring of vision, usually in one eye often associated with pain on eye movement. It is the most common MS-related vision problem. Approximately half of people with MS will have at least one episode of optic neuritis. Frequently, it is the first symptom of MS. Optic neuritis may result in blurring or graying of vision, or rarely, blindness in one eye. A dark spot may also occur in the center of the visual field.
- Nystagmus — Uncontrolled horizontal or vertical eye movements (usually to and fro and worse with certain eye positions) is another common symptom that impacts vision. Nystagmus may be mild, only occurring when the person looks to the side or severe enough to be constant and impair vision.
- Diplopia— Occurs when the pair of muscles that control a particular eye movement are weak resulting in double vision when using both eyes to see which disappears when one eye is covered. Double vision may increase with fatugue or overuse of the eyes.
Another cause of vision impairment could be a rise in body temperature, whether from strenuous exercise, a hot bath or the weather. Heat-related vision difficulties usually diminish after you cool off.
Fortunately, many times vision problems are often temporary and heal on their own. Steroids are often prescribed for optic neuritis. Resting your eyes periodically throughout the day and/or wearing an eye patch can help reduce double vision. Nystagmus associated with a relapse is often treated with steroids. Nystagmus that is chronic and interferes with normal vision is more difficult to treat and requires expert evaluation and often treatment with drugs such as gabapentin.
Source: http://www.mslifelines.com/pages/what-is-ms/symptom_detail_vision_problems
Click on the "Download File" in blue below for a handbook on Vision in MS |
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Tip: Here is a great resource for those having difficulty reading or who can't read anymore:
The Talking Information Center
Website: http://www.ticnetwork.org
Phone: 1-800-696-9505
Email: general@ticnetwork
The mission of the Talking Information Center is to provide access to the printed word to the visually-impaired and print-disabled community by turning print into sound for broadcast. The Talking Information Center is an award winning radio reading service that broadcasts the reading of printed material. Access to the service is provided over an extensive network of radio and cable TV outlets in collaboration with our affiliates as well as streaming online. Twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, we help keep the visually-impaired and print-handicapped population more informed.
The Talking Information Center
Website: http://www.ticnetwork.org
Phone: 1-800-696-9505
Email: general@ticnetwork
The mission of the Talking Information Center is to provide access to the printed word to the visually-impaired and print-disabled community by turning print into sound for broadcast. The Talking Information Center is an award winning radio reading service that broadcasts the reading of printed material. Access to the service is provided over an extensive network of radio and cable TV outlets in collaboration with our affiliates as well as streaming online. Twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, we help keep the visually-impaired and print-handicapped population more informed.
Tip: Physical and visual challenges can make typing difficult for some living with MS. There is software for your computer that can do the work for you via voice commands. Check out programs like Dragon Naturally Speaking or MacSpeech Scribe.
Tip: The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation has started a radio service for people with MS...check it out! (click on the logo below)
PLEASE NOTE: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
