Vision Issues and Treatments


Problems with vision are a common first symptom of MS and can appear quite suddenly. Thankfully, vision issues will usually resolve with proper treatment and time. Proper treatment will often consist of a round of IV steroids, and possibly oral steroids as well. Optic Neuritis is the most well known vision issue in the MS community, however there are several others that can show up as well, which we will dive into! What first brought me to the doctor, was a case of Optic Neuritis, so I am also lumped into this category: “vision issue as first symptom” .

When I was thinking about this topic, I wanted to know why vision issues are usually the first sign our bodies are in distress. Why is that such a common thread? There must be something there. Currently, the only thing I can find is that is a “definable” symptom. It’s not vague like numbness or tingling. There is actually data that can be collected when vision fails, a doctor can see the nerve that is angry and hurting. But there has to be more, the hunt for information will go on.

OPTIC NEURITIS

Optic Neuritis is caused by inflammation of the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. The inflammation causes the symptoms which include eye pain, changes in color perception, graying of vision or loss of peripheral vision. It usually affects one eye at a time, but can affect both eyes, however, that is rare. Optic Neuritis can happen once, or multiple times during a persons life, as with everything else, it’s all individualized.

Treatment for Optic Neuritis is usually done with IV steroids, and occasionally a taper with oral steroids. As with most symptoms, steroids will calm inflammation, but will not speed the return to “normalcy” or change how well you’ll see after the episode of Optic Neuritis has cleared. Most individuals will find they eventually return to 20-20 vision in high contrast situations, so bright daylight they see fine. However, many individuals find that in low contrast situations, like dawn or dusk, their visual acuity/sharpness is still impaired. Some individuals find that their vision issues linger long after the inflammation has cleared, and this can lead to becoming legally blind.

DIPLOPIA

Diplopia is “Double Vision” that can be caused by a variety of things, but mostly caused by the eye muscles being weak or imbalanced, which causes the two images created by the eyes to not be fused together properly. It can also be caused by lesions in the brain stem or cerebellum. Diplopia can come and go, especially if fatigued or if straining your eyes (working on your computer too much?) and will often improve with rest.

Diplopia will usually resolve itself without treatment, but for some acute cases, IV steroids might be needed. Often times patching an eye for a short periods throughout the day (like for driving) might be helpful, but isn’t used in long term treatments as the eye will become weaker and accustomed to the non-use. There are special eye glasses that can be used in treatment as well, and also surgery, but that should be considered as a last resort, as resolving Diplopia can take a year or more in some cases.

NYSTAGMUS

Nystagmus is when the eyes will make uncontrolled, rapid, vertical or horizontal movements and is caused by damage to nerves and parts of the brain that control eye movement. Often times this occurs during a relapse, but may continue afterwards as well. These movements may be mild and unnoticed by the individual (only noticed by those worried individuals around them) or they may be more severe and interfere with vision. If severe enough to be noticed by the individual, Nystagmus may cause issues with depth perception and balance. Someone with severe Nystagmus may perceive their world as always moving and can contribute to feeling sick or unbalanced. Medication and special eyeglasses are the common treatments for this issue.

MY VISION JOURNEY

As I alluded to earlier, I started out my MS journey with Optic Neuritis, this is what first prompted me to head to the doctor. After several weeks of blurry vision in my left eye, I figured I should get it checked out. A few eye exams, some MRI’s, and a spinal tap later, I had an MS diagnosis. However, I never got direct treatment for the Optic Neuritis. Once we finally figured out what it was, it had been about a month since it began, a bit late to start IV steroids, so said the doc. So I just let it run it’s course, which ended up being fine. I don’t remember how long I dealt with the symptoms of it for, I just know it eventually went away. Now, when I get overheated, my eyesight starts to fade, and when it is low light, I have trouble seeing. But overall, I have my vision back.

Regardless of the vision issue that you may be experiencing, there are treatments available and a positive prognosis ahead. The vast majority of individuals will regain their vision, it may just take some time. But that seems to be the case with everything else in the MS world, right? I feel a new saying coming on.. “Time heals all…relapses?”

As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments! I love hearing from you!

And sign up here—> bit.ly/LissMS to get the latest and greatest about the LissMS Community!

 

 

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

follow along on Instagram:

This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself 
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are. 

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!

This is how I slowly helped myself the most:
Making small changes to my life,
* Intentional awareness to my morning
* Noticing when I’m being mean to myself
* Noticing when I’m reactive or in a state of fight or flight..

Some “small” ideas for you too:
* don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning, take some deep breaths, think about how you want your day to go
* drink an extra glass of water (bonus if it’s in the morning too)
* get up and move every hour
* say something nice to yourself when you catch yourself being mean
* step outside for a few minutes a few times a day

Small changes add up to big steps forward,
don’t get fooled by these not being “enough”,
they absolutely are.

Wanna hear more about how Ive helped myself and my clients to lessen our MS symptoms so we feel better in our bodies?

I detail it in my chapter in Resilience Redefined.. comment “Book” and I’ll send you the link!!
...

20 5
You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.

You don’t always have to love the hard action you’re taking to reach your goals.

You just have to show up.

You can do this… keep going 🧡🧡

*after discerning there’s no *actual* issue (pain, injury, illness etc) preventing me from working out, only that I’m a toddler and don’t wanna.
...

26 4
“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year. 
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: 

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!

“Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

Resilience has become such a cornerstone word of the work I do this past year.
It makes sense this book I collaborated on with 6 other awesome & resilient authors was destined to have resilience in the title.

Did you see??

Pre Orders are open!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here:

https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment Book below and I’ll send you the link!!
...

13 0
Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!

Struggling to start with exercise?

Try this tip!!

Creating a new habit (any of them) necessitate us to become someone new, someone different than we were.

Because we’re trying to do something different after all.

This is gentle way of starting that identity shift process.

Become who you want to be in your mind first.

Does this help?
What other habits do you need help with? Let me know in the comments!!
...

31 3
It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/ 

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!

It’s only fitting that I announce my 2nd book (along with 7 other authors) on my 14 year anniversary with MS.

This is a book that I would have loved to read early on in my journey.
It’s about how we moved through our diagnosis and came out the other side for the better.

““Resilience Redefined” is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. The authors challenge those living with an autoimmune disease to not only survive but to thrive”

So… drumroll please…
Pre orders are officially open!!

If you pre order your copy through me before October 24th you’ll also get:
• Signed copy of Resilience Redefined
• The MS Handbook E-book
• Resilience Bookmark
• LissMS Sticker Pack (first 10 pre orders)

Grab your copy here: https://liss-ms.com/product/resilience-redefined-thriving-with-autoimmune-disease/

Or comment “book” below and I’ll send you the link!!
...

33 15
If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!

If you like being outside, check out the America the Beautiful Access Pass!

This is a pass for those with disabilities to get into National Parks, Monuments and more for FREE!!

You can get it online or at the entrance of a national park!

Share with anyone who also might like this!!
...

32 2
This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!

This is obvs one option of many on how to help yourself through these moments.

But when you’re stuck in negative worrying, don’t forget there can be a positive outcome too!

This is rewiring your brain in action.

You notice you’re doing something you always did,
Then do something different.

And boom! A new pathway is born.

It needs some love and attention to grow,
so keep practicing!
...

22 0
This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!

This isn’t a you problem, it’s your brain acting as it should.

Are you going through some change and upheaval right now too?

I see you.

Comment any questions on how to deal below and I’ll make a part 2!
...

38 2
We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!

We have a new space for my (free) LissMS Healing Community!!

Come on in…

Let me show you around!

This is a space created by an MSer (me), for other MSers (you) to be able to come together and support each other, learn new tools to help manage MS and maybe find a few new internet friends!

Wanna join us?

Comment “community” below and I’ll send you the link!!
...

16 1
There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️

There’s so much buzz about everything needing to feel good if it’s right for you.

Sure, there’s a time and a place for alignment.

But, growth often happens in the uncomfortable moments.

Just a reminder.
Keep going.
❤️
...

32 9
Boating! I forgot to add boating to the list 🛶 

Regulation is found in the micro moments.

Which of these have you done lately?

Boating! I forgot to add boating to the list 🛶

Regulation is found in the micro moments.

Which of these have you done lately?
...

60 8

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