In Multiple Sclerosis vision issues are common.
MS vision issues comes up from time to time. This is called Optic Neuritis. Optic nerve gets inflamed, due to some part of the brain being damaged.
Main issues of Vision impairment
The main vision problems are blurry vision, double vision, partial loss of vision. It may also cause a mild pain around eye.
In Multiple Sclerosis, eye and vision issues are common but they rarely lead to permanent blindness. MS brings on painful eye movements and vision Impairment.
When we look at something the back of your eye (Ratina) changes the light into an electrical signal which signals go from to the brain through the optic nerve and is decoded into what we see.
Symptoms
- Blurred or grayed vision
- Spot in the middle of your vision
- Temporary blindness in one eye
- Loss of normal color vision
- Issues with depth perception
- Loss of vision in parts of the visual field
- Flashes of light appears when eyes are moved
- Pain around eye every time eye is moved
- Sight may be less sharp.
Vision could come back after a couple of weeks. It will be restored into normal and another attack is unlikely to happen but attacks after 5 years could occur.
Also uncontrolled horizontal or vertical eye movement which is commonly known as “jumping Vision”, may occur.
Vision therapy, exercises, wearing special eye glasses can help. Also resting the eye is helpful.
Eye issues such as painful eye vision, double vision are early signs of Multiple Sclerosis and occurs in women. It is said an inflammation of the optic nerve triggers vision issues in women. This could result in temporary loss of sight and also permanent loss of vision in one eye.
When MS affects the portion of the brain that relates to eye movement this could result in double vision or feeling unsteady.
The Optic nerve connects the eye to the brain and electric signals from the brain to the eye moves along the Optic nerves which causes pain. The optic nerve gets inflamed and results in double vision or a feeling of unsteadiness. It mostly affects one eye.
The bodies immune system that protects against infection mistakenly attacks the optic nerve into the brain and spinal cord. Sometimes the body repairs the optic nerve and that is when vision returns after a while.
The inflammation of optic nerve affects usually only one eye but it could affect both.
Although this could go off in a few weeks, it is necessary to consult a doctor as neglect may lead to permanent damage of eye.
When you are fatigued vision could get difficult. Heat could also affect the vision.
Many people with Multiple Sclerosis has double vision
Multiple Sclerosis could affect the brain leading to issues of eye movements. It results in difficulty in the movement of eye. The eye could go in different directions and move to-and-fro which cannot be controlled. Double vision is a common issue of MS. The muscles around the eye gets inflamed. Double vision occurs as part of a relapse but restores its self fairly quickly.
Those who already wears glasses could get a special pair of glasses known as “Prism” to use for a time. While those who don’t can get a clear normal glass and fit the “prism” lens onto it.
The eyes could uncontrollably move to-and-fro and people with MS will not know it. A rolling, jerking or wiggling sensation may occur. This can lead to Vertigo. One could feel sick or cause balance issues.
Tips to control vision issues
1. Use prism lenses.
2. Change lighting.
3. Clearly and large marking of kitchen Utensils.
4. Use weighing scales, timers, jugs etc. with easy-to-use marking.
5. Make home brighter by using more lights.
6. When reading or working have to lamp that directly shines light.
7. Carry a magnifying glass.
8. Use voice recognition devises.
9. Use big button phones.
