Treating diabetic retinopathy Treating diabetic retinopathy is a critical aspect of preserving vision and maintaining the overall quality of life […]
With Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the protective covering (myelin) around nerve fibers in the CNS. This damage disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including vision problems.
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause various symptoms that affect vision. Some of these symptoms may occur suddenly, while others may develop gradually over time. Optic neuritis can be a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), however, optic neuritis can also occur as a result of other conditions or infections. If you experience any of the symptoms of optic neuritis, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further vision loss or complications.
According to the Multiple Sclerosis Trust, approximately 70% of individuals with MS will experience optic neuritis at some point during the course of the disease.
The optic nerve, which connects the eyes to the brain, can be impacted by optic neuritis when the protective myelin sheath surrounding it is damaged. With the progression of MS, this demyelination can worsen.
Symptoms of optic neuritis may include:
The exact duration of optic neuritis can vary among individuals, but most people experience improvement in their vision within several weeks of onset. However, complete recovery of vision can take several months or more, and some people may experience ongoing visual problems or permanent vision loss.
While it is difficult to determine the exact incidence of double vision in people with MS, the National MS Society estimates that up to 70% of people with MS experience vision problems, and about 20% of those people experience double vision.
Double vision from MS can be caused by nerve damage to the muscles that control eye movement. Normally, both eyes transmit similar information to the brain, where it is combined and processed into a clear and three-dimensional image. However, when MS damages the nerves in the brainstem responsible for controlling eye movements, the eyes can move independently of each other, resulting in two separate images being sent to the brain, causing double vision.
While persistent double vision can be a long-term effect of progressive MS, it is possible for the condition to resolve on its own in some cases.
Is blurry, fuzzy, or double vision impacting your quality of life and vision? Take our online double vision assessment
Nystagmus is a visual condition that can occur as a result of MS affecting the inner ear or the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordination.
This condition involves repetitive and involuntary eye movements that give the sensation of eye-jerking or jumping, and can result in dizziness and nausea. Nystagmus can happen while looking in a specific direction or while engaging in certain activities.
MS can also cause oscillopsia, a feeling that the environment is moving back and forth or up and down.
As an optometrist dealing with both multiple sclerosis and dry eye, it is important to note that individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may experience severe dry eye as a common symptom. MS can cause damage to the nerves that control tear production, leading to decreased tear production and subsequent dry eye symptoms. Additionally, MS can cause inflammation of the meibomian glands that produce the oily component of tears, further contributing to dry eye symptoms.
Take our dry eye assessment to see if your symptoms indicate that you are suffering from treatable dry eye disease
Visual conditions resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS) are treated differently based on their cause, type, and severity. A personalized treatment plan is determined by our eye doctor based on the individual's symptoms and overall health. Normally a neuro optometrist will coordinate the patient's care with other members of the care team.
Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation
Neuro optometric rehabilitation helps improve vision and overall function in individuals with multiple sclerosis. This may include exercises to improve eye movements and strengthen eye muscles, as well as using filters and prisms to address specific symptoms. A neuro optometrist has extensive training and experience working with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Learn more about neuro optometric rehabilitation here.
Low Vision and Assistive devices
Assistive devices, such as magnifying glasses, filters, and specialized lenses can be used to improve vision and reduce discomfort in individuals with multiple sclerosis. These devices can help magnify objects, reduce fatigue, improve contrast, and reduce glare. Learn more about low vision devices here.
Dry Eye Treatment
It is important for individuals with MS who experience dry eye to speak with our eye doctor about treatment options, which may include the use of artificial tears, steroids, medications such as Restasis or Xiidra, punctal plugs, amniotic membranes, heating and expressing glands, and scleral lenses. It is also important for individuals with MS to have a full dry eye workup before attempting treatment to identify the underlying cause of dryness.
While dry eye is extremely common in patients with MS, there is some evidence of a higher incidence of Sjorgen’s in those with MS, and Sjorgens presents similar symptoms of dry eye. Learn more about dry eye treatment here.
Anti Inflammatory medication
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that are often used to treat various symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including visual conditions. They work by reducing the inflammation and swelling in the central nervous system that can cause vision problems.
Plasma exchange therapy
Plasma exchange therapy, also known as plasmapheresis, is a procedure that removes the plasma (the liquid part of the blood) and replaces it with fresh plasma or a plasma substitute. This therapy is sometimes used to treat visual conditions caused by multiple sclerosis as it can help reduce inflammation and improve vision.
Immunomodulatory drugs
Immunomodulatory drugs work by altering the immune system's response to the central nervous system. These drugs are often used to treat multiple sclerosis and can help reduce inflammation and improve vision. Some of the most common immunomodulatory drugs used for multiple sclerosis include interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, and natalizumab.
Optic nerve sheath decompression surgery
Optic nerve sheath decompression surgery is a procedure that involves removing a small piece of the protective sheath around the optic nerve to relieve pressure and improve blood flow. This surgery is sometimes used to treat visual conditions caused by multiple sclerosis that are not responding to other treatments.
Antiviral drugs
In specific cases, antiviral drugs may be used to treat visual conditions caused by multiple sclerosis. These drugs are used to treat infections that may contribute to vision problems, and may also help reduce inflammation and improve vision.
As Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga, we understand the challenges that visual conditions caused by multiple sclerosis can present. We strongly encourage you to schedule a neuro-optometric evaluation to ensure that your eyes are receiving the proper care and attention they deserve. During this comprehensive exam, we will assess the unique needs of your eyes and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Early detection and intervention are key in managing visual issues caused by multiple sclerosis, so don't hesitate to take control of your vision today. Call our office now at (423) 710 3965 to schedule a neuro-optometric evaluation with Dr. McBryar.
Patients with vision problems resulting from MS visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of neuro optometric rehabilitation services for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.
Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.
He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.
It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.
Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!
Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.
Thank you!
Seems much less frustrated with life
Reads non-stop and fast
Spelling abilities have been hugely improved
Seems much more confident
Thank You!!!
When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!
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