Vision Issues

[Millberry]

Hello All,

I am a 28yr male with relapsing MS. I've now been living with it since my diagnosis in 2003.

Other than getting used to the rebif injections and luckily only 2 hospitalising relapses, i'd like to think that i've handled it well, and pretty much nothing really irks me about the condition.

As a result of the MS, i no longer have any feeling in my fingers, and constant tingling in my palms. It took a while to learn how to write neatly, and even not to drop cups and plates, but i think i've now mastered that.

What my issue is, that whenever i visually focus on anything, the other eye rolls out, much like a "lazy eye". I can only ever focus with 1 eye, if i use two, i get myself into a cross eyed situation.

As a sales rep, its awfully embarrasing, and i'm so self conscious about it now, i wear sunglasses everywhere, and avoid eye contact as much as possible.

My vision is ok, but i cant control my eye not to roll out?

My neurologist referred me to an opthamologist, but he says "its the MS, we cant do anything about it"

I refuse to accept this, surely someone out there has some sort of answer?

Regards,
Millberry.

[jensequitur]

Man, that's tough!  

Personally, I agree with the opthamologist.  There's something wrong with the nerves in control of the eye.  Eventually the brain learns new pathways, and you'll regain control of your eye.  But it'll take some time, so be patient.  I would ask around and see if there's any exercises you can do to help retrain your brain.

[GrannyJo6]

I would assume that the opthamologist that you were referred to is one who is familiar with MS and or is a neuro-optho. If not, or if you are not comfortable with what was said, go for a second opinion. Hopefully you have insurance and they will pay for that! Did he run any tests? Maybe there is nothing that can be done, but it sounds like you were dismissed pretty much out of hand.

[sllowe]

Hi Millberry,

Welcome.  I was dx'd last year w/MS and too have a hard time chalking every disturbance in my body off to MS as well.  Who said it was the MS - the neuro, or the opthamologist?

I'm not an expert by any means, but we have discussed here recently locations of lesions and their varying affects. Do you know if you have any on the optic nerve?

We have a lot of members with varying experiences and knowledge in specific topics, so stick around if you are able - hope you'll like it here.

Again, welcome, see you around,
-Shell