Vision Deteriorates Even Without Sight-Related Symptoms in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Posted Nov 17 2009 10:20pm
DG Dispatch By Ed Susman
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla -- May 5, 2009 -- Researchers suggest that clinicians make a point of checking patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) for diminished vision even when the patients have not experienced any vision-related symptoms such as optic neuritis.
The study was presented here on May 3 at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2009 Annual Meeting.
"Our findings suggest a subclinical axonal loss in the anterior vision pathways of patients with multiple sclerosis that occurs without symptoms," said lead author Esther Bisker, MD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
More precise studies that can reveal vision loss, such as low-contrast acuity tests, will help identify patients who may have deteriorating sight.
"Our study indicates that these tests should be performed among all patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, not just those with a history of vision complications," said Dr. Bisker.
By Ed Susman
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla -- May 5, 2009 -- Researchers suggest that clinicians make a point of checking patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) for diminished vision even when the patients have not experienced any vision-related symptoms such as optic neuritis.
The study was presented here on May 3 at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2009 Annual Meeting.
"Our findings suggest a subclinical axonal loss in the anterior vision pathways of patients with multiple sclerosis that occurs without symptoms," said lead author Esther Bisker, MD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
More precise studies that can reveal vision loss, such as low-contrast acuity tests, will help identify patients who may have deteriorating sight.
"Our study indicates that these tests should be performed among all patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, not just those with a history of vision complications," said Dr. Bisker.
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