Spatial vision in visually asymptomatic subjects at high risk for multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the state of spatial vision in visually asymptomatic subjects at high risk for multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

Fifteen subjects suffering a first neurological episode suggestive of multiple sclerosis in clinical presentation, immunological profile, and magnetic resonance imaging, were examined with a new, sensitive test of spatial vision, rarebit perimetry. None had symptoms or signs of optic neuropathy.

RESULTS

Results of rarebit perimetry were significantly worse than those of 15 age matched normal controls (p=0.01); seven patients (47%) were outside normal limits. One patient only obtained abnormal results in high pass resolution perimetry.

CONCLUSIONS

Rarebit perimetry may help to close the sensitivity gap between clinical examinations and neuroimaging.