Symptom 2: Visual Impairments – Seeing Through the Haze
Visual impairments with NMOSD are far more complex than needing a new eyeglasses prescription. The optic nerves play the vital role of transporting visual information from the eyes to the brain. When NMOSD comes into the picture, inflammation can occur in these optic nerves, causing a range of visual impairments.
Symptoms might start as simple blurriness or visual disturbances but can quickly escalate to partial or complete loss of vision. The vision loss might occur in one or both eyes and can progress rapidly, sometimes over hours or days. This warrants prompt medical attention, as early intervention can help control inflammation and prevent further damage.
The visual impairments can also involve other symptoms like pain in the eyes, particularly during eye movement, and the presence of blind spots in the field of vision. Some people might experience reduced color vision, where colors appear less vivid than usual.
On the bright side, visual impairments in NMOSD are not always permanent. With appropriate treatment, some individuals can experience partial or complete recovery. However, repeated attacks can cause irreversible damage, emphasizing the need for early detection and continuous monitoring. (2)
