Often the first symptom of MS, optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve¾ the nerve that transmits light and visual images from the retina to the brain. Because the nerve is located behind (retro) the globe of the eye, the condition is also known as retrobulbar neuritis. Optic neuritis is generally experienced as an acute blurring, graying, or loss of vision, almost always in one eye. It is rare that both eyes are affected at the same time. There may or may not be pain in the affected eye. Loss of vision usually reaches its maximum extent within a few days, and generally improves within 4 to 12 weeks.
Treatment is often a short course of methylprednisolone administered intravenously, followed by a tapered course of oral steroids.
Diplopia, or double vision, happens when muscles controlling eye movement are not perfectly coordinated due to weakness in one or both pairs of muscles. When the images are not properly synched, a false double image occurs. Double vision in MS usually resolves on its own. Prism lenses are rarely recommended because the symptom tends to be temporary. Patching one eye can be done until regular eyesight returns.
Vision
Often the first symptom of MS, optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve¾ the nerve that transmits light and visual images from the retina to the brain. Because the nerve is located behind (retro) the globe of the eye, the condition is also known as retrobulbar neuritis. Optic neuritis is generally experienced as an acute blurring, graying, or loss of vision, almost always in one eye. It is rare that both eyes are affected at the same time. There may or may not be pain in the affected eye. Loss of vision usually reaches its maximum extent within a few days, and generally improves within 4 to 12 weeks.
Treatment is often a short course of methylprednisolone administered intravenously, followed by a tapered course of oral steroids.
Diplopia, or double vision, happens when muscles controlling eye movement are not perfectly coordinated due to weakness in one or both pairs of muscles. When the images are not properly synched, a false double image occurs. Double vision in MS usually resolves on its own. Prism lenses are rarely recommended because the symptom tends to be temporary. Patching one eye can be done until regular eyesight returns.