MS, 'abnormally large' pupils,

Apologies in advance for the length!

Dx'd with MS 2.5 yrs ago. Over the last few months, eyes getting too dry, more frequently. Painful at times, and don't seem to be blinking much (reflex?). Neurologist 6 months ago said both pupils too large (6.5mm). Last month optician (friend) measured them at 7.5mm in the light, one slightly larger than other. Sometimes very little response to light.

Also, optician friend examined eyes for contact lenses, found out they don't close completely when blinking. I guess this may be the reason for dryness... Finally, when I'm reading at night, one eye seems to 'float' away, and I have to turn head to the left to get the words in focus. My questions are:

Can the abnormal pupil sizes be attributed to MS (evidence of previous subclinical optic neuritis in both eyes)?

What can I do to minimise the risk to the eyes from over-drying (apart from putting ointment at night)? Tape them shut?

Is the eye 'wandering feeling' related to MS? What is this?  

Finally, is having MS an exclusion for laser surgery?

Many thanks!

[Forum-OD-MP]

"Can the abnormal pupil sizes be attributed to MS"

probably not.

"(evidence of previous subclinical optic neuritis in both eyes)?"

are you saying you have *had* previous subclincal ON?  or are you saying the pupil size is a sign of previous subclinical ON?  pupil size is for the most part unrelated to ON.

"What can I do to minimise the risk to the eyes from over-drying (apart from putting ointment at night)? Tape them shut?"

yes.  taping is a common therapy.

"Is the eye 'wandering feeling' related to MS? What is this?"

probably not.  probably a "phoria" or a refractive problem.  ask your optician friend about this one, maybe he/she can help.

"Finally, is having MS an exclusion for laser surgery?"

i personally dont think so.

[fudgestripe]

I was Dx with MS in April 2006. I have always heard that the optic nerve is what gets damaged. Im probably too new to all this. Id love to share your experiences.

[aliaat]

'are you saying you have *had* previous subclincal ON? or are you saying the pupil size is a sign of previous subclinical ON? pupil size is for the most part unrelated to ON.'

Yes, previous subclinical ON; last year neuro said he saw signs of previous ON in both eyes (disk pallor), and with my on-off blurred vision, said it must have been subclinical ON. Managed to see neuro today unexpectedly, he said 3rd nerve was affected (partially, since ptosis was not total), was not sure what the pupil thing was though. It's still too big, but reactive to light this time.

Many unexplained things going on with dem eyes! I'll tape 'em shut though, thanks!

[aliaat]

Hi,

The optic nerve is one of the most common areas affected in MS, but by no means the only one. MS can affect basically any area of the CNS. In my case, I've got the brain (in several areas) and spinal cord affected. How were you diagnosed?