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What is a relapse
What is MS and what causes MS
Vision
Problems with vision in MS
MS can lead to differing types of visual problems and these symptoms are dependent on where the areas of MS damage are in your nervous system.
Not all visual symptoms are related to MS. As part of living well with MS, as well as general eye health, it is recommended that you have regular eye tests. More information on eye health can be found here: NHS England » Eye health
More information on visual symptoms in MS can be found on the MS Trust and MS Society websites:
MS eye and vision problems | MS Society
Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is a common symptom of MS. It is where the optic nerve is affected by inflammation and/or demyelination.
Optic neuritis is a condition on its own. Not everyone who gets optic neuritis will go on to develop MS, but about half of people with MS are likely to have an episode of optic neuritis.
Symptoms of optic neuritis usually occur in one eye and can include:
- Blurred vision
- Blind spots
- Changes to colour vision (how you see colours)
- Reduced field of vision
- Reduction in vision itself
- Pain or discomfort on movement of your eye
Symptoms of optic neuritis usually get worse over a few days to a couple of weeks, and then last for 4-6 weeks, (although it can be quicker or slower).
If you think you may have optic neuritis, please contact the MS Service helpline on telephone - 0300 019 2362 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
It may be recommended that you are seen by a specialist eye unit to assess you and confirm you have optic neuritis. If this is the case, you can self-refer to Royal Bournemouth Hospital if you live in the East of the County. If you live in West or North Dorset, your GP will need to refer you to Dorset County Hospital Eye Unit.
Most optic neuritis recovers on its own, but on rarer occasions steroids may be recommended (see Steroids section in 'What is a relapse?').
Most people's sight recovers well, but some people find that they have continued changes in their vision.
See the MS Trust and MS Society websites for more information on optic neuritis:
Optic Neuritis - Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery | MS Society
Double Vision (Diplopia)
If the nerves that control the movement of your eyes are damaged, it can lead to an imbalance of alignment of your two eyes which means that you get double vision (seeing two of something when there is only one).
If this is related to a relapse, most people's sight recovers well, but some people find that they have continued changes in their vision (see 'What is a relapse?' section).
Some people with double vision find it useful to use a patch over one eye. If problems persist, your GP might consider referring you to an eye unit for assessment and advice.
The eye unit may suggest no intervention or may recommend things like prisms on glasses (known as Fresnel prisms), or on rarer occasions, botulinum toxin injections or surgery to try and adjust the muscles of your eyes to bring them back into alignment.
Nystagmus (Involuntary Eye Movements)
Nystagmus is a rhythmical, repetitive, and involuntary movement of the eyes. It is usually a side-to-side movement, but can also be up and down, or in a circular movement.
Nystagmus is found in several conditions including MS. In MS, it can be caused by damage to the optic nerve, or damage to areas of the brain which are responsible for vision, coordination, and balance (the cerebellum or brainstem).
You may not notice that you have nystagmus if your vision isn't affected, but a Neurologist or MS Practitioner may pick this up in an assessment.
If it is a symptom that is noticeable, it can make you feel dizzy, nauseous, or having a feeling of vertigo.
It is often a difficult symptom to treat, and most options for managing it are based around strategies to compensate for it.
The MS Trust and MS Society have more information on their websites about nystagmus and managing it:
MS eye and vision problems | MS Society
Visual Symptoms Related to MS Disease Modifying Drugs Treatments (DMD)
Some MS disease modifying drug treatments (DMDs) have side effects related to vision.
If you are eligible (and it is recommended) that you have DMD treatment, side effects of each treatment will be discussed with you as part of your drug counselling.
Once you start DMD treatment, if your treatment has the potential for visual side effects, this will be discussed at DMD reviews with your neurologist or MS Nurse, Practitioner or Pharmacist.
More information can be found in this booklet.
