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Healthy Living with MS
MS and Vision
 A vision problem is the first symptom of MS for many people. The sudden onset of double vision, poor contrast, eye pain, or heavy blurring is frankly terrifying—and the knowledge that vision may be compromised makes people with MS anxious about the future. Fortunately, the prognosis for recovery from many vision problems associated with MS is good. |
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| General Information |
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Visual Symptoms
Describes optic neuritis (inflammation or lesions along the optic nerve), nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements), and diplopia (double vision) |
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Optic Neuritis
Generally experienced as an acute blurring, graying, or loss of vision, almost always in one eye |
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Vision Problems: The Basic Facts
Discusses primary MS-related eye problems |
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Visual Loss
About temporary blindness and "jumping vision." Discusses therapies and provides helpful links to national service organizations |
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Living with MS-Related Vision Problems
If vision problems do persist, resulting in permanent low vision, there are resources and tools to help you adapt. |
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Living with Low Vision
Specific living/coping strategies |
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At Home with MS: Adapting to Your Environment
Designing your approach to life with MS |
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Service Dogs
With their acute sense of smell, dogs can provide you with more independence, helping you locate objects, places, and people |
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| Treatment |
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Corticosteroids
This hormone may be useful in treating optic neuritis |
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| Society-Funded Research |
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“Longitudinal assessment of visual function in multiple sclerosis” (Laura J. Balcer, MD)
Tracking changes in visual function and quality of life over time in people with MS |
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"Structural and functional assessment of optic nerve damage in MS patients" (Han Cheng, PhD) Developing a test for evaluating nerve fiber damage in the optic nerve as an indicator of MS progression |
If you have any of the symptoms described here, it is important that you have an eye checkup and/or consult with your MS healthcare specialist. For information about the resources available through the Society, please contact your chapter at 1-800-FIGHT-MS. |
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Adapting Your Home
If you or someone in your home is living with MS, the whole household is living with MS.
Get your family members in the habit of leaving doors either opened or closed all the way, so you don't run into or reach for unstable partially opened doors.
Read more tips on adapting your home |
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Maybe It Isn't MS
Visual difficulties are common. Age, allergies, other medical conditions, even side effects of certain medications, can affect your vision. Be sure to have a regular eye check up every two to four years if you are over 40—and every year if you are over 65. |
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