Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Symptoms can vary in type and severity, and for many patients, the symptoms can get worse over time. Visual problems are common in people with multiple sclerosis; there are three major visual symptoms that are associated with this neurological disease and some less common conditions as well.
Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is often the first sign of multiple sclerosis in a patient. Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the sheath that covers the optic nerve which results in a temporary change or loss of vision in one eye. The patient may notice a black area in the field of vision as well as some pain in the affected eye. Optic neuritis is a limited condition and generally will improve on its own. Physicians may treat some patients with high-dose steroids if the vision loss is very severe.
Double Vision
Double vision, or diplopia, is caused when the pair of eye muscles that control a specific movement are not working together well. This is caused by inflammation or lesions in the nerves that supply the muscles or in the areas of the brain that control the nerves. The double vision in multiple sclerosis can get worse after computer work or reading. The patient sees two images which can be very confusing; patching one eye can make it easier to deal with the condition. Double vision associated with multiple sclerosis tends to resolve by itself but a dose of steroids may improve the condition sooner.
Uncontrolled Eye Movements
Uncontrolled eye movement, or nystagmus, is another eye symptom of MS. In this condition, the eyes may move rhythmically vertically or horizontally. The type of nystagmus experienced depends on the location of the lesions in the nervous system. Treatment is difficult and can involve wearing glasses with special prisms or using medications to relax muscle movement.
Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia
One of the least common eye symptoms of MS is internuclear ophthalmoplegia. This condition occurs when there is a lesion in a specific area of the brain; the symptoms involve uncontrolled eye movements in one eye and an outward turning in the other. This combination of symptoms is characteristic of damage in that area of the brain—multiple sclerosis is the most common cause of internuclear ophthalmoplegia.
