Multiple Sclerosis & Vision Problems

Multiple Sclerosis can have many different ophthalmic manifestations and in fact, vision problems are often the first symptom of the disease.  Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, is often an early sign of MS; however, just because someone has optic neuritis does not mean they have, nor does it mean they will get, multiple sclerosis.

Optic neuritis is one of the most common vision problems associated with MS.  Optic neuritis is characterized by blurred vision, a graying or muting of color, and blindness in one eye.  Vision is usually recovered with intravenous or oral steroid treatment, and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months time even without drug intervention.  Some physicians believe that if optic neuritis is present with no known underlying cause, a MRI should be performed to look for early signs of MS. 

Double vision and nystagmus, or uncontrolled eye movements, are other visual symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.  Double vision generally resolves itself without any medical intervention.  Nystagmus can be persistent but can be treated with certain medications or by adding prism to glasses.  

If you have been diagnosed with MS and are having vision problems, it is important to contact your eyecare provider for a full exam. To learn more about Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you can call us at 888-374-2020, visit www.eyecaremed.com or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup.

Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.