How can multiple sclerosis (MS) affect my eyesight?

Movements of the human eye are coordinated through small muscles attached to the eye itself. These muscles are controlled by the brain. Areas of demyelination from multiple sclerosis (MS) can result in uncoordinated movements of the eyes. One possible symptom of this is double vision, or diplopia. Like many MS symptoms, it should improve over time. It may take months and there is always the chance that it could be permanent. Your neurologist needs to be aware of this symptom. He/she may also refer you to an ophthalmologist.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system where communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted due to a break down in the insulating myelin that surrounds a person's nerves.

The optic nerve is a common area for inflammation in MS. Because it is responsible for carrying vision signals to the brain, visual disturbances are common. They range from haziness and blurred vision to more serious visual impairment. Often, visual symptoms lessen or disappear after a period of weeks, upon remission. Blindness in MS is rare.