Ocular problems in early stages of multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE In its early course, multiple sclerosis (MS) manifests in a variety of symptoms so that ophthalmologists should know that the ocular problems are often the first sign of the disease and may predict additional demyelinating events. METHOD The author have reviewed the data in the recent literature about the ocular problems in the early stages of MS. RESULTS The initial signs of MS are: optic neuritis (acute, unilateral), blurred vision, diplopia or oscillopsia (illusory visual motion) due to oculomotor disorder, chronic bilateral uveitis, facial palsy (similar to an idiopathic Bell's palsy), paresthesias, numbness or/and pain in one or more areas innervated by the ramifications of the trigeminal nerve. CONCLUSION Ophthalmologists should be aware that these symptoms are suggestive of a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.