The ocular manifestations of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system whose clinical manifestations include animportant group of ocular pathologies, e.g., unilateral retrobulbar neuritis, uveitis, decreased visual function, nystagmus, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, diplopia, optic papillitis and Marcus Gunn pupil. Additionally, it is not generally appreciated that bitemporal hemianopia, usually associated with tumors of the optic chiasm, may also result from multiple sclerosis. Since most of a patient's life is spent in the remission phase of the disease, it is important for the practitioner to recognize the ocular findings present during this period. Additionally, studies have shown that such patients lead longer and more productive lives than most practitioners realize, and often have prolonged periods of remission. While the onset of the disease may present with ocular symptoms, such as loss of vision or diplopia, the patients tend to recover and retain relatively good function for many years.