I have 4th nerve palsy (aka double vision) and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with this eye condition. What can help with this condition? Surgery? Prisms? Are there contact lenses with prisms? What is a good diagnostic test?
Thank you for your attention to this concern.

MaryMarie-

IV nerve palsy causes paralysis of the superior oblique muscle in the affected eye causing a vertical deviation. The sudden vertical deviation causes double vision or diplopia. If, when you tilt your head toward the affected side, the affected eye moves higher, that is a "positive head tilt test" and a sign that it is most likely IV nerve palsy. Depending on your situation, the Dr may order a MRI or CAT scan to rule out certain causes.

There are no contacts with prisms. Temporary press on prisms can be used on your glasses to help with the double vision until the palsy resolves. Many of these do spontaneously resolve, but it can take 3-4-5 months sometimes. If it does not resolve, permenant prism can be ground in to your glasses. Surgery is sometimes performed for chronic IV nerve palsy, but you need to discuss the risks and beneifits with a qualified ophthamologist.

Hope this helps

I, too, have been diagnosed with IV nerve palsy. In fact, just diagnosed on Monday 6/9! I did some internet research and found a helpful article at www.revoptom.com/handbook/sect6.htm (http://www.revoptom.com/handbook/sect6.htm) . It explains IV nerve palsy in a lot of med-tech language, I looked up the words I didn't understand in a medical dictionary (online).

My opthalmologist wants to see me in 2 months to check my progress, but she told me not to worry about it. It usually clears itself up in 3-6 months. She did tell me to be aware of any other nerve problems I experience and make notes of them...no matter how trivial I think the symptom may be.

In the meantime, I have been coping with it by covering my left eye. She suggested putting tape over one lens of my glasses when I wear them so I can function more normally.

Now I feel that my body is trying to tell me that a lifetime of bad habits is catching up to me. Bad diet, smoking and no exercise are slowly killing me. This double vision is a "wake-up call" for me. Time to make a major lifestyle change. I have been ignoring minor things, like leg cramps at night, so my body is giving me a major kick in the head, so to speak. BTW, I'm 42 years old, female, and overweight, too.

If you need someone to talk to about this, you can e-mail me.

Angel

OOPS! Sorry, I mistyped the URL for the Occular Handbook. It is: www.revoptom.com/handbook/sect6d.htm (http://www.revoptom.com/handbook/sect6d.htm)

Angel