Multiple Sclerosis and Its Impact on Eye Health
Optic Neuritis (ON) is a condition commonly seen in individuals aged 18 to 45, particularly women. It is characterized by painful, unilateral vision loss and occurs as a result of immune system dysfunction, often appearing in the form of attacks. In addition to vision loss, patients may experience decreased color perception and brightness in the affected eye. Approximately one-third of patients will show edema in the front portion of the optic nerve, while in most cases, the back (posterior) part of the nerve, which is closer to the brain, is affected.
To diagnose ON, several tests are used, including Visual Evoked Potential (VEP), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to observe nerve fiber layer thinning, and computerized visual field analysis. MRI of the brain helps detect lesions, which are crucial in determining the risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic brain disorder characterized by relapsing attacks.
ON can be an early sign of MS. With proper treatment, ON improves significantly within 3-5 weeks. However, relapses of ON can occur, with a recurrence rate of around 35% over 10 years. ON is found in up to 50% of MS patients at some stage of the disease, and in 20% of cases, it is the first sign of MS. After an episode of ON, the risk of developing MS is approximately 30% in the first 5-7 years, and 75% in women after 15-20 years.
MS attacks can present with symptoms like ON, double vision, loss of balance, numbness, and weakness in the limbs. The treatment for ON typically involves high-dose corticosteroids, and in cases where the risk of MS is increased, interferon may be used.
Periodic OCT nerve fiber analysis can help monitor the progression of the disease. If nerve fiber thinning increases, it suggests that the number of brain lesions is also increasing. OCT and VEP tests are essential for ongoing monitoring and guiding treatment decisions.
Impact of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease on Eye Health
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, both neurodegenerative disorders of the brain, are now being studied in relation to eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration (Age-related Macular Degeneration, AMD). Research has revealed important links between these conditions, particularly in how they affect the retina and optic nerve.
OCT, a technique used for diagnosing and managing glaucoma and macular degeneration, is also being applied in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. OCT has proven to detect specific findings in these brain diseases, particularly in the retina and optic nerve fibers, where damage or thinning is noted. Loss of nerve fibers, detected by OCT, is crucial for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In fact, OCT can detect nerve fiber thinning before damage occurs in the regions of the brain responsible for memory, movement, and other functions.
For individuals with symptoms or a family history of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, OCT provides a simple, non-invasive imaging technique that can scan the retina and optic nerve fibers. This early detection method plays a significant role in diagnosing these diseases at an early stage, potentially improving treatment outcomes.