The Neuro-Ophthalmology of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease marked by focal demyelinating inflammatory plaques throughout the CNS. Neuro-ophthalmologic sequelae are common in MS and may arise from the disease itself or from treatment of the disease. Both afferent and efferent functions may be affected. Despite much progress, our understanding of the pathophysiology of MS, and the efficacy of our available treatments, remain inadequate. Here, we review the chief neuro-ophthalmologic abnormalities associated with MS and discuss the emerging diagnostic and therapeutic advances that are likely to further our understanding of MS and its treatment.

Keywords:

• internuclear ophthalmoplegia
• multiple sclerosis
• neuromyelitis optica
• neuro-ophthalmology
• nystagmus
• optic neuritis
• saccades
• skew deviation
• uveitis
• vestibulo-ocular reflex

Financial & competing interests disclosure

SL Galetta has received consulting honoraria from Biogen Idec and Teva Parmaceuticals. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

SL Galetta has received consulting honoraria from Biogen Idec and Teva Parmaceuticals. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.