DOUBLE VISION....unsettling problem ! - Eye & Vision Message Board

WarBonds · 09-10-2003, 09:59 AM

Hi All,

New member here....1st time !!

For the past 2 1/2 to 3 years, I have had double vision (diplopia) and it causes me alot of discomfort.
My docs (opthamologist & optometrist both) said I am "stuck" with this problem and prescribed me rather thick glasses with prisms. This does help alot but I would like to get rid of double vision for good! I hate it, believe me. The eyeglasses are like a crutch/lifeline, since when I take them off, I see two of everything..
The docs say it is a muscle imbalance/weakness, but offer no solutions.
Does anyone know if eye exercises, surgery, etc can help? Anything?!

Thanks!

Corinna_H · 09-10-2003, 12:15 PM

Hi, its a bore isn't it, I have it too, when I get tired the glasses don't fully correct the double vision.
In fact if your glasses don't quite correct it, it makes your muscles work a bit and it can improve to a degree, and my double vision is not as bad as it used to be! My brother had such a big problem with his eye muscles, and couldn't get one of his eyes to look up high enough to look ahead, and he had the operation to tighten the muscles. same thing as correcting a squint. it seems it is extremely difficult to get the muscles in balance and whilst he was hugely improved, it wasn't perfect. I really can't recomend that route unless you can't get corrected by glasses.

[This message has been edited by Corinna_H (edited 09-10-2003).]

Shaman · 09-10-2003, 09:19 PM

Have you been to see a pediatric ophthamologist who has experience in treating adults with strabismus? Is your optometrist experienced in using vision therapy to treat strabismus? If the answers to these questions is "NO" then you owe it to yourself to get some more opinions. You need an actual diagnosis not just muscle imbalance, so that you can educate yourself about the options open to you. I have "A" pattern exotropia due to +2 overaction of the superior oblique muscles. I guess my PO could have jusgt said "You have a muscle imbalance" but it wouldn't have helped me to be proactive about my care.

It may be that the prisim glasses ARE the best option as surgery is not always a great idea. However, I think you need to get enough information to make your own educated choice.

I can tell you from personal experience that strabismus repair is a tradeoff with risks and benefits, and is not for everyone. If you do not understand why it won't help you then keep asking questions until you understand.

Good luck.

WarBonds · 09-11-2003, 07:53 AM

Thanks Shaman for your reply.

Yes, I will have to keep on finding ways to get rid of or treat this double vision. Also, the hard part is to find a GOOD doctor! Some are so "lazy" and say deal with it and that's that. Especially when they got a waiting room full of patients and can't or won't give you extra time for helping you.
It sounds like you had surgery?? If you did, were there any side effects? Did or do you regret it?

As for now, I got a book which has a small section on "eye exercises", published by AVI (American Vision Institute). I'll give this a go.

One has to keep on looking for solutions, especially for a vexing problem like this!

Good Luck to you too!

Shaman · 09-11-2003, 07:04 PM

WarBonds,

While I understand why you want to try on your own because you haven't found a PO or VTOD to help, I must caution you that it is dangerous to practice eye exercises without professional guidance. Because your visual system is already "shaky" (as evidenced by the diplopia) you are just as likely to make matters worse, as better if you do incorrect exercises. VT,improperly done can cause "Horror fusionous" or incurable diplopia. I urge you to look for an optometrist with experience in vison therapy to guide you.

Is the ophthamologist you are seeing a PO? If not, you should consider seeking an opinion from a member of AAPOS or at least someone who has experience with strabismus. You really need to get someone to give you an actual diagnosis and explain it to you. Have you had strabismus repair or other treatment in the past? Was it an accident that started all of this?

Yes, I have had strabismus repair, twice. I do not regret it because I went in to surgery fully understanding the risks I was taking, and with a full understanding that despite surgery, I will always have strabismus and my eyes will never be perfect. My eyes look straight now, but I do have eye pain/strain that I never had before. Many, many adults who have the surgery comment on the post-op pain/strain. Most, including me, are willing to take the bad with the good and are happy. You need to understand that surgery, if possible, will not be a cure all.

Please let me know if I can help you find a PO or VTOD.