cataracts? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

MSNik · 10-01-2007, 02:35 PM

Has anyone been warned of the relationship between cataracts and MS? I saw my Opthamologist today for a routine eye exam and to check out my general eye health and my Opthamologist sees the begining of a cataract! He says that MS patients are prone to this....he also wondered if the medication I take (rebif) might have anything to do with it.....I have checked, and have not found anything in the Rebif info which leads me to think its the drug....so, is it simply the disease, itself? Im only 40 years old...and have never had eye problems until a few years ago when I first started with my bouts of Optical Nueritis, and eventually my MS dx.
Just wondering if any of you have expereinced anything related...I was told it is nothing to worry about now, to see him in a year and call him if my vision changes..but this really threw me! I have an appt with my Neuro-Opth in November, maybe he can shed more light on this....
Nikki

MSJayhawk · 10-01-2007, 02:52 PM

Not to my knowledge. From what I have read, the only thing is ON. My Doctor said that if I had eye problems, I would have to visit on a day when I was in good health so that my MS would not cause a misdiagnosis.

kimpossible67 · 10-01-2007, 03:31 PM

Well Nikki, the only input I can offer is that my Mom is a kidney transplant recipient and requires many steriods for anti-rejection. She has had 2 cataracts removed and she was told it was from the steriods. How true, I don't know, I'm just telling you what she told me. 40 seems wayyyyyyyyyy too young for cataracts.

Bearygood · 10-01-2007, 03:51 PM

I'm also inclined to think that it's more likely related to medication, not the disease... Let us know what you find out!

MSNik · 10-01-2007, 03:54 PM

I will let you all know what I find out, but right now, im not in any hurry to hear anything! I do have an appt in the beginning of Nov, and if nothing happens between now and then, Im not pursuing this until then....even then, he said it was "just the beginning" and it could take 10 years to get to the point where it needs to be addressed (removed). I just thought it was weired, too- so Id throw it out there...
And to think, all I wanted was new glasses/contacts! Does it ever end?
Nikki