Double vision

[anita]

Quick update.

As many of you know, I have been dealing with double vision for a couple months now.  I have seen the optometrist, my neuro, and yesterday I saw a new ophthalmologist.  I wasn't real impressed with his tone/bed side manner, but I heard he is like this and it's no reflection about any particular patient, so I don't care if he's not friendly, etc.  I just want someone good.

The news was not good.  Said double vision IS a muscular problem that is almost always neuro in nature.  He 'thinks' I may have had a clot (I have APS and history of strokes) that damaged the nerve to the extraocular muscles.   Actually it was the week after my entire lower leg had huge thrombophlebitis, that I had my first incident of double vision.  So what he says makes perfect sense if there was other clotting taking place around this time.  The sad part is that he feels it will not ever improve...and may even get worse.   So that was a bummer to hear.

It does seem to be worse when I strain my eyes (reading, watching a movie, etc), so Ill try to limit the strain as much as possible in hopes it doesn't get worse.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

[A66eyroad]

Anita,

I'm so sorry to hear that you've gotten less-than-wonderful news about your vision problems. You know, I've been really worried about you, praying for you, worried that you were going to be diagnosed with MS or worse.

I'll keep holding you in the light. Are you taking any anti-clotting medicine, besides the aspirin? Has he suggested any eye muscle exercises you might do? Is it the vision in one eye only that's causing the problem? Can you patch the strong eye like they do with children to strengthen the other?

Your friend,
Abbey

[Scottietottie]

Hi anita

I'm really sorry to hear your news. I thinking having answers is better than not having them - but it's certainly not the answer you wanted. Are there any lenses that can help correct the problem? I'm sure I read once about 'prism lenses' but I may well be barking up the wrong tree.

Take care - Scottie 

[anita]

I take injections of blood thinner (heparin-called Arixtra), and we have recently increased the dose after the numerous superficial clots in the legs. Even upped the aspirin to 325mg now.  So hopefully no more problems with clotting.  I just hope I don't spring a leak...LOL

He didn't say anything about eye muscle exercises or prisms...just kept saying it's neuro like that was answering my question.  I don't think there is a strong vs weak eye...just a problem with muscle coordination itself between both eyes.  He said I can cover one eye when it occurs, but would need to alternate eyes so I don't alter strength in one over the other.  In my case, it is causing vertical problems (diplopia) as my double vision always occurs with the second image below the original, not next to it with horizontal coordination.

He said my eyes were aligned okay when I was there (the double vision occurs transiently here & there during the day--more often after reading, etc) and said to call him if it 'locks' into the double vision and doesn't resolve.  He reminded me several times to call him if this happens...saying it like he could do something to help if this occurs permanently.  So that is something, I guess...if I read him correctly. 
Apparently, there is surgery that can be done on the muscles if they completely fail, I bet this is what he had in mind. 

But mine are NOT going to completely fail and get stuck in double vision (I have to be optimistic)...and I'll learn to cope with what I have now.  I can still see pretty good 'most' of the time.  I will be limiting my reading to short intervals to help preserve strength.  He thought this was a good idea.  So no more long internet/forum surfing.

Thanks for the concern and thoughts.

[susanep]

So sorry to hear that you have these things to deal with. Hopefully your meds, and keeping a watch on everything will help you keep on top of this. Prayers for you.

susanep

[susan]

Hi Anita,
Thanks for the update on your double vision! I understand that it is not the very best of news, but you sound as if you are confident in the doc's opinion. It does make sense with your history of clotting problems.
I am glad you are planning on those eye muscles staying stable!

[Daisy1234]

Anita,

You've been having quite a rough go lately and I'm hoping that things turn out exactly as you wish.  Many positive thoughts sent your way.

Daisy

[tracyj]

Ask a good optometrist about prism lenses for double vision.    I had them as a child, due to MG, and recently had to have a prism in my lenses again.

They do help.

Tracy