Characterization of ophthalmological manifestations in patients with multiple sclerosis between 2013 and 2021: multicenter study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease consisting of degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS).

Among the manifestations of MS, there are inflammatory eye diseases. The most common is optic neuritis, however, alterations such as internuclear ophthalmoplegia, saccadic hypermetry, nystagmus, alteration of the vestibulo-ocular reflex or retinal findings can be found.

However, some medications used for MS, such as corticosteroids, interferon, and other disease-modifying medications, can cause ocular adverse effects. Those described include retinopathy, macular edema, chorioretinopathy, Graves' ophthalmopathy, and cortical blindness.

Based on the collection of information in the medical records of patients with MS between the years 2013 to 2021, the aim is to evaluate the ophthalmological manifestations presented by patients attending four reference centers.

Additionally, the sociodemographic characteristics will be described, the global prevalence of ophthalmological manifestations and ocular involvement will be estimated according to the clinical and treatment characteristics of patients with MS.

Finally, the existing relationships between MS and ophthalmological manifestations will be analyzed according to sex, phenotype, time of evolution and medication, among others.

It is expected to identify a wide diversity of ocular and visual anomalies in patients, and a strong association with the medications used in the treatment consistent with international statistics.

The findings of this study will promote the importance of carrying out a management and follow-up protocol that guarantees timely diagnosis and treatment.