Many people who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis can expect to have some type of MS vision problems throughout the course of their disease. There are a few different types of multiple sclerosis vision problems. They will vary from person to person and they can be worse depending on what stage of multiple sclerosis a person is in. Some of the vision problems that can occur include blurred vision, blindness (typically in one eye), darkening or graying of the vision, double vision, or uncontrollable eye movements. More than half of the people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will experience one or more of these problems throughout the progression of the disease.
Some of these problems can be caused by the condition known as optic neuritis. This is when the optic nerve becomes inflamed. This is the nerve that transmits light and images to the brain. It is frequently associated with multiple sclerosis, although it can occur with other diseases as well. Optic neuritis usually only affects one eye at a time, and it is not usually painful. For any of these symptoms, it is important to see a medical professional to get the right treatment, which can last for several weeks at a time.
Treatment for MS Vision Problems
Depending on the current vision problem, the treatment course will vary. The first step is to see a proper medical professional to get the situation assessed. They will be able to determine the cause of the vision problem, whether it is temporary blindness, blurred vision, or something else. They will also be able to see if it is caused by optic neuritis in the eye. Seeing a medical professional is also important to determine if this symptom is due to a flare up or a relapse in the multiple sclerosis progression. It could also be due to the disease advancing to another stage.
Treatment options will vary depending on the symptoms being experienced and the current stage of the disease. Most vision problems will be treated with a course of aggressive medications that are administered over a few weeks. Medications can either be intravenous drips, injections, or oral tablets. Depending on the medication, they can be administered at home or administered at a multiple sclerosis clinic or hospital. Some of these medications can have side effects, but since they are usually only used for a short period of time, the benefits outweigh the negatives.
