1. Optic Neuritis
Multiple Sclerosis, also known as MS, affects the central nervous system. There are a variety of symptoms, and some of them are seemingly unrelated. About 55 percent of patients with MS in the United States have eye problems. Optic neuritis is often one of the first problems a person with MS will experience. Symptoms include blurred vision and double vision. Some patients will have uncontrolled eye movements which can be quite mild or actually impair vision. Rarely will both eyes be affected at the same time. There is little or no pain associated with optic neuritis. Some doctors suggest treating the vision problems with home remedies, since they typically come and go with flare ups of the disease. Ask your doctor about wearing an eye patch for double vision, since this often helps improve the problem. He may suggest resting your eyes several times during the day. He may also prescribe steroids to help control the inflammation in your eye. The steroids may be taken by mouth or you may receive them intravenously.
2. Tysabri
Tysabri is a drug often used to treat MS, and it has been shown to also reduce vision loss. Researchers say clinical data shows that the drug helps prevent sustained vision loss from optic neuritis. Tysabri helps patients with many of the symptoms found in relapsing multiple sclerosis. The drug was approved the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006. It was temporarily taken off the market when three patients developed a rare and fatal brain disease. It was re-approved in 2006 for restricted use only.
3. The Holistic Approach
Some MS patients look toward a natural, holistic approach when treating their vision loss problems. Since there is no cure for MS, these patients are hoping to control their symptoms, including vision symptoms, as naturally as possible without the use of heavy medication. If you decide to go this route, discuss it thoroughly with your doctor. You should try to have a good low-fat diet, and get plenty of fiber. Since stress can make MS symptoms worse, consider psychological counseling to lower your stress level. Use deep breathing and meditation. Your vision may get worse before it gets better, so try to remain calm. Remind yourself that although vision problems from MS are certainly bothersome, they rarely result in total blindness.
