[Quality of life in visual disturbances in multiple sclerosis]

In multiple sclerosis (MS) often the visual pathway is impaired. Very early symptom which precedes neurological signs is the retrobulbar optic neuritis. In MS patients near as well as distance, color and peripheral vision can be disturbed. Many patients are not aware of visual impairment which could cause the delay in diagnosis. The assessment of the visual field in patients with MS enables early diagnosing as well as monitoring of the course of the disease. In monitoring of the course of disease most important is the evaluation of quality of life. The assessment of quality of life in MS is well known, even better than in other neurological diseases. Less known is the question of quality of life diminished because of visual field defects in MS. In review report the value of perimetry in diagnosing MS, visual disturbances in MS and contemporary possibilities of evaluation of quality of life in MS patients including those with defects in visual field has been described. The VFQ-25 questionnaire is a sensitive and useful tool in self-assessing visual function in MS patients.