What Are Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders?

In the realm of physical health, there are many disorders that are classified as "spectrum disorders". When a condition falls within a spectrum of severity, or a spectrum of symptoms, it is often given a classification as a spectrum disorder for which varying degrees of treatment are provided. In vision and eye disorders, adults who have complications involving poor optical nerve health may be classified as having a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (Cassel 231).

Myelin Sheath Erosion
When progressive deterioration of the myelin sheath on the nerves of the eye, a diagnosis of neuromyelitis is often given. For patients with these types of disorders, including multiple sclerosis, there can be implications in any part of the body, including the eyes, which often is unexpected. When the eyes are adversely affected, the symptoms can vary along a spectrum of health complications and, as a result, become labeled as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Nerve Signal Deterioration
If you have been diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, it is important to understand that, with time, your vision may begin to deteriorate when the myelin sheath that protects the nerves slowly begins to deteriorate (Cassel 231). With the loss of myelin sheath, the message signals from your eyes to your brain will begin to slowly fade away and, as a result, you may be unable to see or interpret what you are seeing. To mitigate this loss, your doctor may suggest a variety of treatments.

Slowing Progression of Disease
While there is no cure for disorders affecting the myelin sheath around the eyes, there are some options for slowing the progression of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. In many cases, your doctor will recommend vision and eye therapy, the use of supplements that boost brain health, and may even recommend eye surgery. Ultimately, the condition will deteriorate so only the slowing of the disease progression is expected.

As with any type of neurological health complication, the issues of nerve health in and around the eyes is vital to the quality of life we have with aging. If you are concerned about a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, seek out early ophthalmology treatment and consider options for boosting your overall health. Because this is a progressive disease with few options for a cure, the health of your eyes will need to be closely managed by a licenses ophthalmologist.

Sources:
Cassel, Gary. The Eye Book. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998. Print.
http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/pressreleases/101308.asp
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002261.htm