Vision Impairment
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.
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. However the body can repair this and that is why after time it goes back to normal. But changes to vision may occur.
The main vision problems are blurry vision, double vision, partial loss of vision. It may also cause a mild pain around eye.
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.
In Multiple Sclerosis, 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.
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.
Cause of vision impairment
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.
Vision issues can affect work, driving etc.
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.
Double vision
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.
The optic nerve gets inflamed and results in double vision or a feeling of unsteadiness.
Tips to control vision issues
Use prism lenses.
Change lighting.
Clearly and large marking of kitchen Utensils.
Use weighing scales, timers, jugs etc. with easy-to-use marking.
Make home brighter by using more lights.
When reading or working have to lamp that directly shines light.
Carry a magnifying glass.
Use voice recognition devises.
Use big button phones.