Many people with multiple sclerosis will have visual problems. These problems are often times the result of MS optic neuritis. This is a problem often caused by demyelination. Multiple sclerosis optic neuritis can cause a variety of different visual symptoms, including blurred vision, double vision, graying of the vision, and blindness. Pain can sometimes occur with the condition. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of people who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will have an episode of optic neuritis. It can be one of the first conditions that lead doctors to a diagnosis. Optic neuritis is caused by inflammation of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is what transmits light and visual images to the brain. This inflammation or damage to it is usually due to the process of demyelination.
Optic neuritis, also called retrobulbar neuritis, can happen to a person who does not have multiple sclerosis. Optic neuritis can also occur without presenting any symptoms. This makes it hard to use as a definite diagnosis for multiple sclerosis. Most doctors will want to run further tests if someone has the condition optic neuritis. This will include an MRI to look for lesions on the brain and spinal cord. If both conditions are present, then multiple sclerosis is the most likely cause.
Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis Optic Neuritis
Without treatment, optic neuritis can clear up on its own. However, it can take a long time – up to twelve weeks. If the vision problems are significant, this can be a long time to deal with symptoms like blindness. Luckily, there are treatment options available to help speed up the healing process and reduce vision problems association with optic neuritis. Seeing a medical professional is the first step to getting treatment. They will be able to recommend and prescribe treatment, or they will refer you to a specialist who can. There are different ways of treating optic neuritis.
Since inflammation is the main issue, corticosteroids are usually used to help reduce the inflammation and reduce the symptoms. If the symptoms are severe, a doctor may recommend a short term course of intravenous medications. This is so that the medication can get to work quickly. This medication will than get followed with an oral medication until the condition has cleared up completely. Patients will typically be monitored until they are off the medication to avoid any side effects.
