Have you ever woken up to blurry vision, double vision, or an unexplained ache behind your eyes and wondered, what’s happening to me?
For someone living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), sudden vision changes can feel frightening and isolating. You might be asking yourself: Will this last forever? Will I be able to manage it?
The good news? You’re not alone, and there are ways to understand, manage, and even improve these vision issues. MS-related vision problems are a common symptom, but with the right strategies and support, you can regain confidence and clarity in your daily life.
But first, let me introduce myself! Hi, I’m Dr. Gretchen, a physical therapist and MS-certified specialist. For years, I’ve been helping people with MS manage symptoms like tremors through exercises, education, and an encouraging community. Thousands of people have used these research-backed strategies to improve their daily lives, gaining confidence and a renewed sense of control.
On my podcast – The MSing Link – I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Rani Banik, a neuro-ophthalmologist and leading expert in MS vision challenges. Her insights on how MS affects the eyes, paired with practical solutions, deeply resonated with so many listeners. I’m excited to share some of those strategies with you today.
Let’s dive into the causes of MS-related vision changes, explore practical ways to manage them, and remind you that there’s always hope—even on the hard days.
MS vision issues arise from damage to the optic nerve or the parts of the brain that process visual information. This happens because of inflammation and demyelination—the process where the protective covering of nerves (myelin) is damaged, disrupting communication between your brain and your eyes.
These symptoms can come on suddenly and vary in severity, making them especially frustrating. But here’s the first step to feeling better: understanding that these changes are not your fault. They are a symptom of MS, not a reflection of who you are or what you’ve done.
Vision changes can feel overwhelming, but there are simple, actionable steps you can take to alleviate discomfort and adapt to these challenges. Every small adjustment you make can add up to big improvements in how you feel.
Rest Your Eyes: Staring at screens or reading for long periods can strain your eyes. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a chance to reset.
Modify Your Environment: Brighten your spaces with natural light, use larger text sizes on screens and books, and explore high-contrast settings on devices to reduce eye strain.
Use An Eye Patch For Double Vision: If you’re struggling with double vision, wearing an eye patch over one eye can provide immediate relief while your body works to recover.
Practice Vision Exercises: Guided exercises to strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination can help reduce symptoms like double vision or nystagmus. Start with slow, intentional movements like tracking an object side to side or up and down.
Stress plays a big role in how MS symptoms manifest. When you’re under stress, your body’s ability to cope with inflammation and nerve-related challenges decreases, often leading to more pronounced vision issues.
Pairing these practices with a healthy diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and hydration can further support your nerve health.
For those who need additional support, there are remedies and treatments to consider:
It’s also important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific symptoms. Don’t be afraid to speak up about how you’re feeling—your comfort and quality of life matter.
If your vision problems persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Symptoms like sudden vision loss, intense pain, or prolonged double vision may indicate an MS flare-up requiring treatment. Your neurologist can help determine the best course of action.
Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of self-care and empowerment.
MS vision problems can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. By learning about the causes, finding solutions that work for you, and leaning on your healthcare team and community, you can take control of your symptoms and feel more empowered in your daily life.
Take it one day at a time. Celebrate the small victories—whether it’s finding the perfect lighting for reading or mastering an eye exercise. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
To learn more about how to champion your MS symptoms, my book – The MSing Link – is the only resource you will need! Together, we will work through the steps necessary for living confidently with MS, using simple exercises and tools to help you get there. You’ll feel confident and empowered and like you have a plan to take back control over your MS.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about managing MS vision challenges, feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen. Together, we can face these challenges and find the right tools to help you thrive.
Have you ever woken up to blurry vision, double vision, or an unexplained ache behind your eyes and wondered, what’s happening to me? There are ways to understand, manage, and even improve these vision issues - read the causes of MS-related vision changes andexplore practical ways to manage it here!
Do you or someone you love with MS struggle with sudden, relentless itching? There are practical steps you can take to soothe the itch and regain control! Learn simple, effective strategies to manage MS-related itching here.
Have you noticed unusual shaking or trembling in yourself or a loved one with MS? The good news is that tremors, while common in MS, are manageable. Read all about how to use the right tools and strategies to reduce MS tremors and feel more in control here!
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com