Can you describe MS related eye fatigue & colour de-saturation?

[Oscar1973]

Hi,

I am undiagnosed - but have had some strange neuro symptoms that have been going on for up to 10 years.  Have been to GP's who have suggested anxiety, etc - and am now in the process of putting together a journal with all my day to day experiences.

Something new, however, I've started to experience is a wave of exteme eye fatigue during the afternoons mainly.  This doesn't happen every day - just now and then.  It is like my eyes want to close - not because I am tired - but, rather, they are tired of looking at things (if that makes sense).  It passes after half an hour or so and then I am fine for the rest of the day/night.  It is an awful feeling though - especially if I'm driving.  Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Also, can someone describe for me what things look like with colour de-saturation?  Is it an even 'things just look washed out' type of thing or it it patches or dark v's light?

I don't post often but read this forum regularly and find it extremely informative.

Thanks.

[LATW]

Hello,
for me the eye fatigue causes blurred and double vision.  Closing them does give me some relief because it is tiring to keep trying to keep them focused.


The desaturation for me is a total washed out look.  Like what ever it is has been sitting out in the sun too long.  

But I do not notice the desaturation unless I cover my good eye and only look out of the eye with ON.

Writing things down is a good idea.  But do not present too much to the doctor because they poo poo it and you will not be taken seriously.

focus on your top 3-4 really major issues.  That would be my advice after my most recent experience and I am DIAGNOSED!!

When I go into my MS doctor they give out a form to fill out with a list of symptoms.  Apparently I now have too many symptoms that do not "match" my lesions so I have to be psychologically off according to him.  I will not be going back!

Hope this helps some.

LA dx'd 2008

[twopack]

Hi Oscar.  Glad to have you vocal.  Wish it wasn't because you are having problems.

When I have eye fatique everything blurs out and I begin switching between different strength glasses, no glasses, dark glasses, covering one eye, covering the other.  It finally hits me that I need to just STOP using the eyes for a while.  Sometimes I can go back later.  Often I am done for the day.

I have realized for a long time that a sudden change in how my eyes are working together will cause my brain to suffer.  I feel like it's screaming, "I can't process that!!"  I makes ME want to scream too and can cause a general feeling of anxiety.

I have had times when I just had to lay back and close my eyes.  I had things to do but felt almost compelled to shut down.  That seems more like what you described.  I'm not sleepy and can lay that way for 30 or 60 minutes just relaxing and thinking about little.  I'm very aware of things around me but keep visuals, noise, or other stimuli at a minimum.  It's like I need to turn everything down low and give my BRAIN a rest from the input.  It comes on pretty quickly and doesn't go away easily unless I comply.

I usually have the luxury of living my life around such road blocks as I only work part-time and the kids and hubby are all self-sufficient (and so very understanding).  Please be very careful driving when this happens.  I know how difficult and scarry it is.

Hope your journey soon takes you on straighter roads and finds it's destination.
Mary