| Problems with vision are frequently associated with multiple
sclerosis. The most common visual disorder associated with multiple
sclerosis is optic neuritis.
These can present in a number of ways and typically resolve after
a period of time, usually around 4 to 12 weeks.
Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve, the nerve that
transmits visual information to the brain, becomes inflamed and the
myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve becomes damaged.
It usually occurs in one eye at a time (70%), and the resulting vision
loss is rapid and progressive, but only temporary.
Thirty percent of patients will experience optic neuritis in both
eyes at the same time, suffering severe vision impairment or temporary
blindness.
Seventy-five percent of patients who develop optic neuritis are women.
Rarely, are the visual problems associated with multiple sclerosis
permanent.
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