Vision Screenings

Many MS experts recommend routine eye exams at least every other year for people with MS. These tests, which may be performed by optometrists or ophthalmologists, show:

• Your field of vision
• Your ability to see details up close and at a distance
• Pressure levels inside your eye to check for eye diseases such as glaucoma
• The strength of your eye muscles
• Your eyes’ responses to bright light
• Changes in your eyes over time
• How well you see colors

During these tests, your doctor can track changes in your vision. If any are found, they can work with your neurologist to address them.

Some vision screening tests are offered online or via smartphone apps. During these tests, you’ll sit a specific distance away from an eye chart displayed on your computer or tablet screen. While covering one eye, you’ll then read each line on an eye chart to evaluate your vision.

At-home eye testing may help you detect some issues with your vision. But health experts say online eye exams aren’t as reliable as the comprehensive eye exams done in person by an eye doctor.

In-person vision screenings are more accurate than those done online. Plus, in-person tests make it easier for providers to detect other visual changes that could indicate the presence of other conditions that may or may not be related to MS.

Optical Coherence Tomography Tests

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) tests measure retinal damage, as well as damage to the optic nerve fibers. These tests are important for monitoring MS eye damage and disease progression. They’re especially helpful in detecting previous or acute optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), which affects about half of all people with MS during the course of their disease.

Most OCT tests are performed in a doctor’s office. During this test, a machine scans your retina using infrared light to evaluate your eye health. But in recent years, at-home OCT tests have also become available.

Optical coherence tomography testing is helpful in detecting optic neuritis, which about half of people with MS eventually experience.

These tests are performed remotely by the person with MS using a small device. The test results are then transmitted to the doctor for assessment.

Talk to your doctor about whether an at-home OCT test is right for you. One study of 3,539 participants found that image quality and results were similar for remote OCT tests and those performed in person. But the study was performed on people with a wide range of conditions, not just MS.

More studies are needed to determine whether remote OCT is useful for detecting eye issues in people with MS. Your doctor can explain whether they believe at-home OCT tests will be beneficial for your specific situation.

Color Vision Deficiency Testing

Some people with MS experience difficulties seeing colors. This is particularly true for people with a history of optic neuritis. Your doctor may want to perform color testing to see how well you can identify different hues.

One test to detect color vision changes is the Waggoner Computerized Color Vision Test (WCCVT). This digital exam tests your ability to see certain colors. One study found that the WCCVT was effective in detecting color vision issues in people with MS.

Some people with MS experience changes in how they see colors. Digital exams may help identify changes in your color vision.

Digital color tests may not work the same way for everyone. This is due to a few reasons.

First, lighting might be different in one home versus another. This can affect your ability to distinguish colors.

In addition, screen calibration may vary from one device to another.

Your doctor can explain whether these at-home tools are right for you.

Eye Movement Trackers

Some people with MS may develop an eye condition called nystagmus. It causes involuntary eye movements that you can’t control.

Your doctor can use tests to check for nystagmus, which may be present even if you haven’t noticed it. At-home eye movement tests can allow you to test remotely, often using a smartphone or tablet. The results are then sent to your doctor for review.

Digital eye movement trackers are still being perfected. While many show promise, your doctor may not find them accurate enough. Ask your care team about whether these may be helpful for you.