Blindness is one of the earliest symptoms that can indicate a possible diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis blindness can happen without warning, and it can be dangerous. Most incidents of MS blindness will only affect one eye and the effect will only be temporary. The blindness may be complete, or it can be a graying or blackening of the vision in that eye. For a person who hasn’t already been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, blindness can be one of the first symptoms they experience that lead to the initial diagnosis. It is a noticeable symptom that requires medical attention and can lead to further testing and treatments.
Blindness is a symptom that can come and go sporadically throughout the progression of multiple sclerosis. It can be caused by nerve damage due to the demyelination process. Certain nerves can be damaged by demyelination, including nerves that send signals to and from the eyes and brain. Blindness may occur more often during flare ups and relapses. Blindness is typically temporary, but it can become more long-lasting as the disease progresses into different, more advanced stages. It is important to seek out treatment for vision problems as soon as they arise in order to resolve them as soon as possible.
MS Blindness Treatment Options
Many times, multiple sclerosis blindness can be caused by a condition known as optic neuritis. This condition is caused by inflammation of the optic nerve, which sends light and visual images to the brain. Inflammation can be caused by demyelination of the nerve due to multiple sclerosis. It is estimated that more than half of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will have an episode of optic neuritis during the course of their disease, making it fairly common. There are many different types of treatment options available for episodes of optic neuritis and the short term vision problems that it can cause.
The most common treatment for vision problems such as blindness is prescription medications. These will only be available through the proper medical professional. Prescription medications can be in the form of oral tablets or capsules, injections, or intravenous drips. They will depend on the severity of the vision issue and what stage the disease is in. Some medications can be taken at home, while others will be administered at a multiple sclerosis clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. These treatments are usually anywhere from four to twelve weeks in length, making them short term.
