Vision problems

Did you know that vision problems are often one of the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)? You may experience symptoms in the eyes, such as blurred vision, colour vision deficiency, double vision, or dizziness. Some people with MS may never have vision problems, others more frequently.

Why is my vision impaired?

MS affects the central nervous system (CNS), where the protective and insulating sheath of the nerves (known as myelin) is destroyed by the inflammation processes. This also affects how the brain communicates with the rest of the body and particularly, the eyes.

Visual impairment typical of MS

• Optic Neuritis: This is an inflammation of the optic nerve which transmits visual information from the back of the eye (retina) to the brain. Usually, it affects only one eye. Some people may experience blurred vision or a sense of seeing through a plastic sheet, whilst others temporarily lose their eyesight. In addition, colours may appear washed out. For example, it becomes difficult to distinguish the colours of traffic lights when driving. Eye movements can also be painful.
• Eye Movement Disorders (Oculomotor Disorders): Certain nerve injuries can affect the muscles that control eye movements.
• With diplopia (double vision), the double images occur on the same axis, that is horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to each other.
• Nystagmus is a symptom in which the eyes move involuntarily and rhythmically from side to side or up and down. To those affected, objects around them appear to move on their own.

Symptoms vary from person to person. It depends on which nerve is affected.