Which eye disorder is frequently associated with multiple sclerosis?

The eye disorder that is frequently associated with multiple sclerosis is optic neuritis. This condition occurs when the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain, becomes inflamed. In patients with multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of the optic nerve, leading to this inflammation. Symptoms of optic neuritis can include reduced vision, pain when moving the eye, and a loss of color vision.

Optic neuritis is often one of the early signs of multiple sclerosis, as it can precede other neurological symptoms that signify the disease. Recognizing this association is crucial for early diagnosis and management of both optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis.

In contrast, while cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are significant eye disorders, they do not have the same direct association with multiple sclerosis as optic neuritis does.