Multiple sclerosis can cause various vision problems, including double vision, temporary blindness, and involuntary eye movements. Optic neuritis is a telltale sign of the disease, but most vision problems can be treated with therapy or medication. Seeking medical help early is crucial for successful treatment.
There are various effects of multiple sclerosis on vision, such as double vision, temporary blindness and involuntary eye movements. In rare cases, multiple sclerosis can cause permanent blindness. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the function of the brain and central nervous system, making vision problems a common struggle for those affected by the disease. In fact, vision problems are so frequently associated with multiple sclerosis that they are often used to aid individuals in diagnosis. Fortunately, most of the negative effects of multiple sclerosis on vision can be improved with treatment and therapy.
One of the most frustrating but very treatable effects of multiple sclerosis on vision is double blindness. People experience double blindness because the muscle movement within the eye doesn’t coordinate properly. As a result, vision in one or both eyes becomes blurred or even doubles. Double vision is rarely a long-term problem. To treat it, a doctor may prescribe wearing an eye patch or a pair of special contact lenses or glasses.
One of the telltale signs that an individual has multiple sclerosis is optic neuritis. Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve is inflamed. This can cause blindness in one eye or blurry vision. In some cases, doctors may recommend injecting steroids into the eye. In other cases, the condition gets better on its own. Symptoms of optic neuritis are rarely permanent, often lasting only a few weeks before improving with treatment.
Involuntary eye movements are another common effect of multiple sclerosis on vision. The involuntary movement of the eyes is often referred to as nystagmus. In mild cases, nystagmus is little more than an annoying twitch in the eye. It can, however, manifest itself in more severe ways, with movements ferocious enough to impair vision. Treatments usually involve prescription medications to treat the underlying cause of the problem.
If the case of multiple sclerosis is severe enough, it can result in temporary blindness. Rare cases lead to longer periods of blindness. Usually, blindness only occurs in one eye, often due to optic neuritis. Temporary blindness mostly occurs in short episodes, usually lasting no more than a day.
If you haven’t been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but are experiencing symptoms of irregular vision, it would be wise to see a doctor; the effects of multiple sclerosis on vision may be some of the most useful indicators in making an accurate diagnosis. As with any condition, the sooner individuals are able to accurately read their symptoms and seek medical help, the more likely treatment is to successfully alleviate the symptoms and their root causes.
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