A to Z of MS
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A to Z of MS Double vision
Double vision (or diplopia) occurs when the nerve pathways that control eye movements are damaged. The vision from each eye is usually normal but the individual experiences double vision, often in one particular direction of gaze. This can be an early symptom of multiple sclerosis.
If this symptom occurs as part of a relapse of MS, it will often recover, partially or fully, with the use of steroids. The short-term use of a patch over one eye will reduce the impact of the symptom. Prisms can also be attached to glasses to adjust the way light enters the eye to compensate for double vision. In longer lasting cases, botulinum toxin or surgery can be used to adjust the muscles that control vision to restore symmetry of eye position.