How to Treat Multiple Sclerosis Vision Loss

Vision problems affect a majority of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet it is rare that a patient suffer from complete blindness due to the symptoms of MS. Sight problems can be treated with the help of a doctor. They can also be managed at home by preparing your surroundings for easier living.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Rest your eyes periodically throughout the day. Take 15 minutes for every hour to rest your eyes. Keep track if this helps your vision problems and let your doctor know.
2. Wear an eye patch if your doctor thinks it may help double vision problems.
   Double vision can be corrected, or at least made a lot better, with the help of an eye patch.
3. Arrange your living conditions to suit your needs without getting in the way. Eliminate sharp corners and objects you could trip over like rugs. Get help from friends or family in making your home more vision-impaired friendly.
4. Outline doors, steps and electrical switches with tape or markers to make them easier to see. Use bright tapes that stand out visually, or try textured tapes that are easily felt.
5. Subscribe to large text magazines and newspapers. Ask friends and family to help out by writing letters in larger print.
6. Replace the lights in your home. Put in lights that focus on the points you need them to instead of general overhead lighting.

Tips & Warnings

• Tell people you can't see well. They are more understanding and helpful when you may otherwise just seem unsociable or unwilling to participate in activities.
• Rest your eyes and still enjoy books by listening to books on tape.
• Get a telephone with large numbers that you can see and pre-program emergency numbers in case you need them.
• Use soap on a rope or a sponge tied to the shower head in the shower. This will eliminate the problem of seeing it when it inevitably falls to the floor.
• Don't self diagnose. See your doctor if vision problems occur.
• Don't do it by yourself. Ask your doctor, friends and family for help.
• Avoid using hot appliances that you can't see well. Use a microwave more often than a hot, dark oven that may be hard to see inside.