Multiple Sclerosis and Double Vision

Visual impairment is quite common in MS and double vision is one of the most common types of visual problems seen with multiple sclerosis. Double vision or diplopia is the result of lesions on the brainstem where the nerves that connect to the eyes originate. This symptom is often a very early sign of MS and can cause a loss of balance and nausea as a direct result of seeing double.

The cause of the problem is scarring in the brain stem which leads to a lack of co-ordination of the muscles controlling eye movement. In a healthy individual, eyes will both move in the same direction at the same time providing a single picture of the object they are focused on. If you have multiple sclerosis, double vision will be caused by your eyes moving independently of each other, causing them to focus differently and causing the visual problems.

Vision Problem

The most common form of diplopia is 6th nerve palsy where damage to the nerve controlling the lateral rectus muscle causes problems with the side to side movement of your eyes.  There is a left rectus and a right rectus, each one controlling the outward movements of the respective eye. If the nerve to one of these muscles is damaged then when looking in that direction the corresponding eye will not move as it should and this will cause the problems.

Other types of double vision can be caused by issues with inward movement or problems with moving the eyes up and down, these versions of diplopia are not as common as the 6th nerve palsy.

If you have multiple sclerosis and double vision, treatment is to wear an eye patch for the duration of the flare up. It is not recommended to wear the patch for too long since this can make the brain lazy. For frequent vision problems or vision that does not clear up steroids can be used as well as they have seen some effectiveness in treating double vision.

Double vision in Multiple sclerosis is almost always temporary and will clear up as soon as the flare up is over.

Multiple Sclerosis and Double Vision

I have benefited greatly from a book which has examined the link between what we eat and multiple sclerosis. If you would like to know what foods are attacking your body, what supplements you must take and how to create the energy that you need, then this book is a must read. Reverse Multiple Sclerosis

You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by having a look. Multiple Sclerosis and Double Vision

I am not a doctor nor am I qualified in medicine in any way. These are things that have worked for me in controlling my MS. Before undertaking any diet or fitness regime you should always consult your physician first.

Thanks for reading

Gary P Owen.