Developing vision based outcome measures for multiple sclerosis

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The majority (>70%) of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experience vision issues. In up to 30%, visual symptoms are the first sign of MS. Vision is also the second most important function that people with MS would like to improve. Despite their importance, vision and visual changes are often not well documented in people with MS. This can be because people with MS can experience substantial fluctuations in vision, making visual difficulties challenging to measure and interpret.

Recent developments of vision testing with “virtual reality” (VR) devices may enable patients to assess their vision more comprehensively. These devices already have the ability to assess a range of visual functions such as high and low contrast visual acuity, colour vision, visual field – functions highly relevant to MS. The at-home use of such a platform could enable much more frequent tests leading to more reliable assessment. This project aims to use frquent monitoring of vision using VR devices at home to ultimatley develop reliable vision based outcome measures for multiple sclerosis.

Vision in Multiple Sclerosis: Repeatability and validity of testing with a Virtual Reality (VR) platform

This project supported by Multiple Sclerosis Society aims to investigate Repeatability and validity of VR based vision assessment in MS as an in-clinic and at-home test.

Home monitoring of vision in people with multiple sclerosis

This project supported by the Univeristy of Plymouth PhD studentship will investigate the feasability and acceptability of the use of VR vision assessment for frequent home based monitoring of vision in multiple sclerosis.

Related Publications:

Visual Symptoms | Mahesh R Joshi

Developing vision based outcome measures for multiple sclerosis