Seeing the Signs: Understanding the Link Between Eye Health and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering around nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may include fatigue, numbness, balance issues, muscle weakness, and vision changes.

In New Zealand, thousands of people live with MS, and while there is currently no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Many people are surprised to learn that vision problems can be among the earliest signs of MS.

One of the most common eye-related conditions associated with MS is optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Optic neuritis may cause:

• Blurred or dim vision, often in one eye
• Eye pain, particularly when moving the eye
• Colours appearing faded or washed out
• Blind spots or missing areas of vision

For some individuals, optic neuritis is the first noticeable symptom that eventually leads to an MS diagnosis.

Other vision-related symptoms can include double vision, involuntary eye movements, reduced contrast sensitivity, and temporary worsening of vision during exercise or in hot weather.

An eye examination cannot diagnose multiple sclerosis. However, eye care professionals can identify signs of optic nerve inflammation and other visual changes that may require further medical investigation.

Regular eye examinations are important not only for maintaining good vision but also for detecting changes that could indicate underlying health conditions. If you experience sudden vision loss, eye pain, double vision, or unexplained changes in your sight, it’s important to seek professional advice promptly.

Living with MS can bring significant physical, emotional, and practical challenges. Organisations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand provide invaluable support, advocacy, education, and resources for individuals and families affected by the condition.

This MS Awareness Week, we encourage our community to learn more, start conversations, and support the important work being done to improve the lives of people living with MS.

If you’d like to help, please consider making a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand.

Donate here: https://fundraise.msnz.org.nz/donate

For more information about the incredible work MSNZ does and where you can find support for anyone living with MS, please go to: msnz.org.nz

Together, we can help raise awareness, support those affected, and ensure more people understand the important connection between eye health and overall wellbeing.