Persistent Visual Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (Version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Persistent Visual Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis: Prevalence and functional consequences
IRAS ID
177423
Contact name
Rachel McKay
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Impaired visual function is one of the most common problem experienced by people with Multiple Sclerosis and can present in many ways including sudden loss of vision, blurred, double or wobbly vision, loss of colour vision or visual field loss. Previous studies have mainly concentrated on one or two aspects of visual loss - mainly contrast sensitivity and colour vision that are normally associated with Optic Neuritis. There remains some debate as to an appropriate battery of tests that can be used to characterise visual impairment in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
This study aims to establish the prevalence of visual impairment in people with MS. Study participants will be invited to complete two questionnaires providing information on self-reported quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Index) and self-reported visual impairment (VFQ21 with additional 10 question neurological add-on). During a single clinical session, performance on tests of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereoacuity, colour vision, binocular vision, slow and fast eye movements, visual fields and Pulfrich’s phenomenon (perceptual vision) will be examined in an attempt to clarify any relationship between these measures and determine the most clinically informative tests to be used where resources are limited. This understanding will be complemented by functional assessment using the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC). The MSFC assesses upper and lower limb function and cognitive function.
It is hoped that the results of this research will significantly advance knowledge concerning the visual dysfunction seen in MS, and in so doing guide rehabilitation strategies culminating in reduced morbidity and dependency.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
15/WS/0119
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion