IOptic neuritis

I just wanted to share a little bit about my experience with optic neuritis, and the aftermath. I had an episode of optic neuritis about ten or twelve years ago and lost a great deal of color vision and some acuity in my left eye, but the weirdest thing to me is how it has affected my reading since then I obviously can still read,but I read very slowly and have a great deal of trouble tracking well this of course has along with the dexterity and sensation issues slowed me down even further with the guitar projects. Wondering if anyone else has had anything like this, and if there is at to do about it. Thanks as always Robert oh yeah and I actually find it physically tiring now?

[kdali]

If the reading problem is getting worse, then I would see an ophthalmologist. I would also see one every year if possible. You can try changing what you are reading, like the size of the letters or the background. I'm not sure how much lighting or screen brightness affects you, but play with bright and dim lighting to see if anything helps. Read slow, so be it 🤣 Take eye breaks, and close your eyes for a bit after stressing them.

[Hidden in reply to kdali]

Thank you for the feedback I have seen a neurological opthalmologist in the past but the amazing one locally retired, and the other one I know of actually said to a friend with MS " yo have MS what do you expect." So haven't been inclined to see him but will play around with some of the other suggestions, and thank you

[kdali in reply to Hidden]

Yikes, no! A regular optho should be able to do the job.

Another tip I forgot is caffeine. I don't know why it works, but it does for some. I would be remiss to leave out keto, which has been amazing for my very damaged eyeballs.

[NorasMom]

I don't know if my issues come from 2 bouts of ON or just the fact that I've been wearing glasses since I was 8, but I have a lot of trouble reading these days, too. I was always an avid reader, but anymore I frequently don't have the attention span or mental acuity necessary to comprehend what I'm reading. On good days, I make a point of only reading under bright lights, preferably the kind that are focused on the pages themselves. That and larger print have helped a bit. I also use a lighted magnifying glass when I'm working with small items.

[Hidden in reply to NorasMom]

Yes couldn't even begin to do inlay work with magnifier light, thanks for the feedback

[bxrmom in reply to NorasMom]

I used to love to read, even more so when I had purchased a Kindle over 10 years ago. But it is so hard to keep my attention focused on what I'm reading sometimes that I have to keep going back to reread parts of the book. So frustrating because I miss reading.

[mrsmike9 in reply to bxrmom]

Have you tried audio books?

[bxrmom in reply to mrsmike9]

Audio books I have not tried, though I do listen to some podcasts. I may try audio books. Thanks for the idea mrsmike9

[mrsmike9 in reply to bxrmom]

Our library has regular audio books plus ones that you can download to your phone. I do that more often than go to the library in person. It's super handy. Our library's program is called "Hoopla". Perhaps yours has one as well!

[bxrmom in reply to mrsmike9]

Good idea! Thanks again mrsmike9 !

[twooldcrows]

i have to have a shot in my left eye once a month to try and keep my vision in that eye ,can't remember what it is called but it was once a big black square blocking the vision in the center of my sight in that eye and now i have it clear but still have problems reading but at least the black is gone ...take care and try to not read or use the eyes reading something to much for i can't put up with it ...if try to much get a heck of a head ache ...bad...good luck finding a better eye doctor...love and happiness dealing with this horrible stuff with our eyes ...

[ms23 in reply to twooldcrows]

@ twooldcrows: It sounds like you may have age related macular degeneration . My mom gets eye injections for that reason. I’m glad the shots are helping your vision.

@formerbikeguy: if your vision symptoms are fairly new, I agree with others to see an ophthalmologist, even if the doctor is not a neuro-ophthalmologist. There are lots of reasons for vision changes, hopefully something treatable so you can continue reading and working on your guitars without experiencing fatigue. I don’t think you have to accept the answer you got from the second neuro. Not everything is MS and he may have jumped to the easy answer without looking further. All the very best to you.

[ahrogers]

I have slower processing in one eye that affects my depth perception. It is mostly a problem in low light so I must wear my glasses when driving in the dark.

Maybe adjusting the lighting in your workspace can make enough of a difference to help.

[MarkUpnorth]

Optic neuritis started my journey with M.S. 25+ yrs ago, with the optometrist telling me to maybe see a neurologist? That was shocking then. Saw a neurologist, and an opthalmplogist. The first test for optic neuritis mapping loss using a black painted sphere and a laser pointer manually sketching an image by the doctor. Having had optic neuritis 7 times over the years. I saw several ophthalmologists. Had 4 neurologists. All the ophthalmologists said what losses remained after an episode after what came back, were for life. The detection devices became more high tech. The results. With and without steroids....the same. Ophthalmologists wanted no treatment. Neurologists even put me in a hospital once to treat heavy. That's when I finally got the M.S. diagnosis. Regarding optic neuritis testing after sevral bouts, I learned fishing, that if you look at the waves sparkling in sun, you get a live picture off all those losses at once! Interesting? No high tech gadget needed! But it was also a way to monitor progression myself. Anyway, fast forward. I am a strong believer in diet to fight M.S.Read the Whal's books. Used them as a guide. Eat healthy, but as importantly avoid all processed foods with food processing ingredients. Ironically my companies worked for about every food processing plant in Chicagoland. Then, I ate garbage including the stuff they made. Since I Whals and an unintentional "gut reset" as I call it, only living off juice from fruits and veggies for about a year+ to fight severe brain fog, I learned to cook. From scratch. Compensating for speed, memory,...with whatever it took. Mainly veggies, with lean meats, fish, seafood. Did not restrict anything except processed foods and ingredients. The gut reset worked for brain fog with near immediate results, returning when I stopped. So I transitioned to the healthy eating slowly. Buy, in short. My relapses stopped. I dropped all the meds. Now I'm on no meds and healthy. I noticed that my optic neuritis voids went away! I lost the need for a cane! I still have lots and lots of the "gifts" MS has given me over the years. But I walk 10K steps every day wearing a tracker. Eat healthy avoiding processed foods, and yes, see fine with glasses as before M.S. Love looking at the waves illuminated by the sunlight behind when I fish, to not seeing any voids! Last thing, relapse free for over 5 years now. Neurologist told me I may be over M.S.!

[Hidden in reply to MarkUpnorth]

Read Whals protocol, but have been a strict vegetarian most of my life vegan about last ten years and natural and organic foods for the last fifty years, but thanks for the feedback and sharing your experience, wow! About early loss detection, I spent a lot of time looking at waving lines and flashing dots myself

[stepsforNeeC]

Stay encouraged, I know our symptoms can be most frustrating. I have all of my vision appointments conducted at a hospital that is “ Eye and Vision Health” exclusive. Possibly research in your area for a doctor who specializes in MS Vision Care if you feel more can be done relating to your needs. Blessings 🙏