MS-Related Eye Problemsto Discuss With Your Eye Doctor
Multiple sclerosis can feel like a daunting diagnosis—its ramifications can be felt with symptoms that weave their way throughout your life, from coordination and speech to fatigue. Unfortunately, vision is no exception. Because of the way it impacts the brain and optic nerves, MS and eye problems often go hand in hand.
The good news is that many of the vision-related symptoms of MS can be treated, especially if they’re caught and addressed early. We’ll talk about all of this and answer some of your questions in this post, but if you haven’t done so already, take this as your sign that it’s time to see an eye doctor about your MS diagnosis as soon as possible.
The Connection Between MS and Vision Changes
MS can impact your vision, but the extent varies based on a variety of factors. You might be looking at mild or severe symptoms. They may be temporary or last for a long time. Consult with your neurologist and your eye doctor to get a clear picture of what you can expect—and to discuss treatment options.
We can’t stress this enough: Your vision is precious, and medical professionals can help you navigate the overlap between MS and eye problems. There are three primary reasons that MS can impact eye health:
Brain Symptoms
As MS progresses, the immune system attacks your myelin, the fatty substance that protects the nerve fibers in your spinal cord and brain. Once these nerve fibers are exposed, the crucial messages relayed through the nervous system are affected. Symptoms can branch to many areas of your body, including your eyes.
Optic Nerve Symptoms
MS can cause your optic nerve to become inflamed, leading to varying degrees of vision loss, pain and discomfort, and the appearance of flashing lights. The severity, specificity, and longevity of symptoms vary.
Medication Side Effects
Sometimes vision problems can manifest as side effects for the medications you’re taking to manage your MS. You should always make sure your medical team is aware of all the side effects you’re experiencing. There may be alternative treatments they can try.
3 Common MS-Related Eye Problems
- Optic Neuritis:This refers to the swelling of the optic nerve mentioned above. Potential symptoms include pain, discomfort, loss of peripheral vision, vision loss in one eye, faded colors, and flashing lights. Although it can be caused by other conditions, optic neuritis is often an early sign of MS that can help lead to a diagnosis.
- Diplopia (Double Vision):Double vision occurs when you see more than one image when there is only one present. It can affect depth perception, making it more challenging and dangerous to drive or even walk around.
- Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements may occur as MS progresses and removes the protective covering on nerve endings. These movements might be slow or fast, and may be accompanied by blurred or shaky vision and sensitivity to bright lights.
Talking to Your Eye Doctor About Your MS
Yes, you absolutely need to speak to an eye doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with MS. You may be apprehensive if it’s been a while—so our guide on what to expect at your first eye exam may help. But whether you get regular eye exams or this is your first time in ages, the best way to protect your vision is to seek help.
Expect the doctor to ask questions like:
- When were you diagnosed with MS?
- What are the symptoms of MS in your eyes? Have you noticed any pain or vision loss?
- What medications are you taking to manage your condition?
- Do bright lights cause discomfort?
- Are vision changes affecting your daily life?
- Do your eyes get tired more easily than they used to?
We’re sure you have a lot of questions, as well. We encourage you to bring up anything that matters to you and all of your concerns. We’ll go over a few common questions and answers—although your eye doctor will be able to provide more detail that pertains specifically to your situation.
Can an Eye Exam Tell If You Have MS?
Not on its own—but it can help. We mentioned above that optic neuritis is often an early indication that may lead to an MS diagnosis, and that’s often caught with an eye exam. Other tests, like visual field tests and eye movement assessments, may also uncover issues that could point toward MS. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch numerous conditions early, and this could include MS.
What Does MS Eye Pain Feel Like?
Most eye pain related to MS is caused by swelling of the optic nerve (optic neuritis). It’s usually described as a dull ache or pressure behind the eye. It may exacerbate with eye movement, and may be accompanied by the other symptoms we outlined above (like vision loss).
How Can I Protect My Vision with MS?
You may not be able to prevent all MS-related eye problems, but you can be proactive. Regular eye exams are a big part of that. Following your MS treatment plan as closely as possible will help, too. Make sure you report all new symptoms (related to your vision or otherwise) to your medical team. Early treatment is essential. Finally, it’s a good idea to simply take care of yourself. Eat well and exercise. Avoid smoking. General wellness can help mitigate MS symptoms across the board.
Schedule Your Regular Eye Exam Now
A diagnosis like MS is scary—but Visionworks is committed to making the eye doctor part as painless as possible. We make it easy to schedule an eye exam online for maximum convenience.
If you haven’t seen an eye doctor since receiving an MS diagnosis, it’s time to change that right away. But even if you haven’t received a diagnosis, regular eye exams are the best protection against all sorts of vision trouble. Find your local Visionworks and book your annual eye exam today.
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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