Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects far more than mobility alone, it has a profound impact on vision, speech, and swallowing, directly influencing independence and quality of life. Recognising this, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) hosted an expert-led webinar exploring recent advances in vision and speech care for people living with MS.
A Multidisciplinary Focus on Quality of Life
The session opened with a warm welcome from MSSI volunteers and leadership, highlighting the organisation’s long-standing commitment to advocacy, awareness, counselling, and non-financial support for the MS community across India. Emphasis was placed on the importance of early information, access to specialists, disability certification, and ongoing advocacy for insurance and rights under the RPWD Act.
Vision and Multiple Sclerosis: Early Recognition Matters
Dr. Priyanka Ketkar, Ophthalmologist and Medical Director at Lumos Eye & Health Clinic, delivered an in-depth session on how MS affects vision. She explained that the optic nerve is an extension of the central nervous system, making it particularly vulnerable to demyelination.
Key takeaways included:
- Optic neuritis is often one of the earliest manifestations of MS and may present as eye pain, blurred vision, faded colours (especially red), blind spots, or double vision.
- Vision symptoms can fluctuate with fatigue, heat, or infections, making awareness of relapse versus temporary worsening essential.
- Advances in diagnostics—such as OCT, VEP, and updated MRI criteria—enable earlier and more accurate detection.
- Updated 2024 McDonald Criteria now include optic nerve lesions and allow earlier diagnosis, supporting the timely initiation of disease-modifying therapies.
- Dr. Ketkar also emphasised practical strategies to preserve vision, including regular eye examinations, prompt reporting of new symptoms, lifestyle modifications, visual rehabilitation, assistive technologies, and eye-care habits such as the 20-20-20 rule.
Beyond Vision: Speech and Swallowing in MS
The webinar also addressed speech and swallowing challenges, often under-recognised symptoms of MS that can affect communication, nutrition, and safety. Through a clinical and rehabilitative lens, participants learned how early assessment, therapy, and adaptive strategies can significantly improve daily functioning and confidence.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
A recurring theme throughout the webinar was empowerment. While MS is a lifelong condition, early recognition of symptoms, access to the right specialists, and a multidisciplinary approach can help individuals maintain independence and quality of life for longer.
MSSI reaffirmed its role as a bridge between people living with MS, caregivers, clinicians, and policymakers thereby ensuring that information, advocacy, and support remain accessible to all.
