Some people are led to their diagnosis of multiple sclerosis because of their vision problems. MS vision problems tend to be unique and they can point medical professionals in the right direction when they are paired with other neurological symptoms. When a person presents with multiple sclerosis vision problems, they will likely go through many different tests to see if they do have the chronic neurological disease. This will ensure that they can get the right treatment program started immediately. Diagnosing multiple sclerosis usually requires that MRI testing is done to look for lesions on the brain or spinal cord. Doctors and neurologists will ask about specific symptoms, including vision problems.
Some of the vision problems associated with multiple sclerosis include blurred vision, temporary blindness, double vision, involuntary eye movement, and graying or blackening vision. These problems can come on slowly, or they can get worse over time. Sometimes, they can be hard to notice, especially if they come and go. Luckily, there are some tests that can detect certain vision problems, even if you are unsure that there is a significant problem. A specialist will be able to send you for tests if they think there is a vision problem going on due to an underlying disease.
Optic Neuritis and MS Vision Problems
Optic neuritis is one of the conditions that can cause vision problems. It is commonly found in multiple sclerosis, although it can also be found in other diseases as well. It is typically related to the nervous system. Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve connecting to the eye becomes inflamed. This is what causes the blindness in one eye or the graying and darkening that occurs. Usually optic neuritis only affects one eye at a time, but there can be more than one attack of optic neuritis through the course and progression of multiple sclerosis.
There are different types of treatments available for multiple sclerosis vision problems. Most of them are short term treatments that will last for the course of a few weeks. This is long enough to treat the vision problem without causing a lot of side effects from the medication. The medications are usually available in oral forms, injections, or intravenous drips. Only a medical professional will be able to know the right type of treatment for the current symptoms that are being experienced. Be sure to be active in your treatment plan by keeping your doctor informed and keeping track of any changes in your symptoms.
