MS symptom? .... vision problems only - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Iliketurtles · 07-31-2006, 08:35 PM

My sister suddenly had vision problems in her "good" eye at the end of June. The "bad" eye always had poor central vision, and she needs strong magnification to see (with just that eye). She lost the center vision in the "good" eye, and then it went completely.

At the eye hospital, she was given laser treatments (both eyes; one at a time). She had an MRI, and was told that there were some lesions. She had the three-day Rebif treatment, and took a course of Prednisone tablets for about two weeks. Well, the peripheral vision is back in the "good" eye, but the center vision is still not cleared up.

She had been told to see an MS specialist, but she is not employed and has no health coverage. (She has already paid for a few office visits / Rx's, but the little bit of money she has is quickly running out.)

OK, sorry for digressing, but I wanted to give a background.

I was just wondering if anyone has vision problems only. Since she already had problems with one eye, and has no other symptoms, is it probable that it's not MS?

As an aside, two family members have severe vision problems. One of my father's brothers just lost his sight to macular degeneration, and one of his sisters has narrow angle vision, requiring laser treatment.

Thanks for your time,
Iliketurtles

duttin · 07-31-2006, 09:44 PM

Since your sister is having visual problems and has had an mri it would be in her interest to see a specialist.A MS specialist can tell if she has MS or not.
Its hard having a limited income,can she get state medical since she is out of work?
A specialist can tell if the visual problem is from MS.Visual disturbance is usually one of the first symptoms.I had lost my vision bilaterally 7 years ago.That was my first symptom.With this crazy disease it effects everyone differently.
My 17 year old daughter has developmental delayed vision in her left eye.Basically it never fully developed after infancy.My neuro says theres no correlation between my MS and her vision.
With early treatment it can slow the flair ups down and the visual maybe her only symptom.Convince her to seek futher help even if its with a local neuro or her GP.

Toni

LaLady · 07-31-2006, 11:40 PM

The only person in my tiny town (besides me) with MS, has vision problems as his only symptom. He developed almost total blindness 5 years ago. Luckily he was at an excellent health care center and they did an MRI and then a LP and he was diagnosed very quickly. He has been on Avonex ever since and had no more exaberations. He was the reason I (and my neurologist) chose Avonex, 'cause he had had such success with it.

Iliketurtles · 08-03-2006, 10:57 AM

Thanks for your replies, Toni and LaLady.

I've been researching on my sister's behalf, since her vision is so poor. I've seen resources for after being diagnosed, but nothing for actually getting the diagnosis when you can not afford to see the specialist. I gave her the regional number for the MS Society so she could ask if they have any ideas.

A further development: she had been working at a part-time job (no benefits, of course!

) when her vision deteriorated. She has not been in to work since that time (end of June), and up until two days ago, she was expected to go in and try to do the work, utilizing a page magnifier (not the best option, but all that she has at this time). She spoke with the owner (or manager), who told her that there was no work for her to do. This was quite a turnabout, since apparently there was work, as someone else (possibly his wife) had answered the phone. This is not good at all.

She was supposed to see someone at a vocational rehab office, but this changes the focus, so to speak.

As the hospital bills are coming in, she'll have to make arrangements for payment. We'll keep Avonex in mind.

Thanks again!

Best,
Iliketurtles

chelsey · 08-07-2006, 03:20 PM

Hi, I had 3 episodes of Optic Neuritis over a 15 year period. CT Scan and in later years MRI scan showed no lesions. 2 years ago the vision in my good eye went. MRI showed very active disease. I now have and have had a variety of symptoms.