Overcome Optic Neuritis with T+P+PA (Time+Patience+Positive Atitude)

Thank God, the prognosis for recovering from optic neuritis and other vision problems associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) is good. Total blindness is very, very rare but it can happen.

For the most part optic neuritis is the first sign of multiple sclerosis (MS). The other two visual problems frequent in MS’ers are:

1. Nystagmus: Often happening as wiggling of the eyes. The wiggling can either be in a horizontal or vertical direction.
2. Diplopia: Produces double images (double vision). The seeing two of everything will affect your balance since your sense of orientation in space is affected.

It is estimated that close to 70% (66% to be exact) of all of us, MSers, experience at least one incident of optic neuritis in the course of our illness. I have experienced all three symptoms or problems but only one left me with long term damage on my sight.

The inflammation (demyelination ) of the optic nerve results in nerve damage which is the cause of this problem. The optic nerve transmits the light and images we view through our eyes to the brain from the retina.

There is really no way to tell if an episode of any of these 3 problems is the beginning of a life with multiple sclerosis (MS). They all can show up for different reasons. The reported frequency of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) following an isolated episode of optic neuritis varies widely.

A study Published in the Journal Watch General Medicine April 15, 1997 reveal that in 74 patients suffering an isolated and sudden optic neuritis attack didn’t yield any clear answers, concluding that “white matter abnormalities on MRI distinguish poorly between patients who will and will not develop symptomatic MS during the subsequent five to six years.”

The most common symptoms are:

• Blurring Vision: Takes place in almost 58% of all optic neuritis cases. This can range from a little blurring of vision – 34% of all cases – to complete blindness - 54% - The remaining 12% falls in the moderate loss of visual perception or acuity category.

• The following image will give you an idea of what the world looks like to someone with Optic neuritis:
Thanks to www.mult-sclerosis.org for allowing the use of the above image.
• Eye Pain: It is estimated that anywhere from 53% to 88% of all optic neuritis cases come with some type of pain. I have fallen into the 21% of patients reporting some (but not too much) pain with eye movement (rolling your eyes around).
• Usually pain comes in the form of a pressure-like ache or a sharp and piercing type of pain.
• Changes in Color Dissemination or Dyschromatopsia: Happens in 100% of all optic neuritis cases. The best way to describe it is a reduction in color vividness; especially reds (look at the image above).

• Visual Flashing Sensation (Phosphenes ) : Are very short spots of light brought on by side-to-side eye movement. They become more obvious in a dimly lit room. Obscuration of the visual field in bright light is another common symptom of optic neuritis. Both of these symptoms are caused by nerve damage or irregular obstruction of the nerve transmissions along the visual pathways.

Around 33% of all MSers will experience a reoccurrence of optic neuritis and this reoccurrence is often the result of what is known as the Uhthoff's symptom.

The Uhthoff’s symptom is a condition in which small increases in body temperature (hyperthermia), caused by exercise, hot baths or showers cause a worsening of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. • Loss of vision (partial or total)

Optic neuritis often is confused with glaucoma. Although both affect the optic nerve, the two are distinct conditions. The most common form of glaucoma causes a slow and progressive loss of vision, starting with impairment of peripheral vision. The loss of vision often is not noticed by a person for many years. If not treated, glaucoma will result in blindness. Below is a table highlighting the differences between optic neuritis and glaucoma.

For more information about glaucoma, I recommend glaucoma-eye-info.com. This is an excellent resource that provides in-depth information about glaucoma and advice about how to cope with it.

The following image shows a normal left eye’s field of vision.

Notice the small black (blind spot) on the left side of the image. A normal field of vision should be similar to the one on the following picture

Here you can see the results of a test to my left eye right after my second relapse back in 1998:

My right eye did not look any better. Here is the result of the same visual field test done on my right eye.

The one thing that I can tell you have made the difference is learning to live with a positive attitude.

I began to listen – at the beginning – and later I continue by reading and watching videos on personal development. My favorite author and teacher is Dr. Wyne Dyer. I began my shift to positive thinking several years ago and never look back.

The almost immediate benefit I felt (and you will also) is a reduction on the level of anxiety that losing my vision was causing me and my family. There is nothing magical about learning to “change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change”.

Today I am still experiencing some visual challenge but nothing like 1998. The good news is that I got back – time + positive attitude + patience – about 80% of my vision.

The most common treatment is a course of methylprednisolone given intravenously and orally. I remember during my first episode I only used oral steroids. It is taken in doses that steadily are reduced: For example, 100mg. for 10 days, 75mg for 5 days, 50mg for 3 days, 25mg for 3 days, 20mg for 3 days, 10mg for 3 days and finish with 5mg for 3 days. (This is only for illustration purposes).

It is good to remember that since optic neuritis is the result of nerve damage (demyelination) in the optic nerve and not from any changes in the shape of the eyes, the use of prescription glasses cannot and will not help you solve the problem in any way.

Following your doctor’s prescribed course of steroids (methylprednisolone) is crucial to your recovery. Don’t forget to ask your doctor for a prescription of one of the available medications for heartburn or stomach acidity.

Steroids will provoke this type of problem. Also, don’t forget and try to get enough rest and most important, have patience.

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