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Diplopia (Double Vision) Help!
Eye Conditions | Last Active: Jul 29 11:03am | Replies (31)Comment receiving replies
Hi Rhoda @rckj Thank you for your note. I hope things are going better for you. I'm dealing with a 1,2 punch right now with my eye. I was just beginning to get the hang of using prism corrective lenses for the diplopia, and then I developed Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in the affected eye. A week ago the Retina specialist gave me an injection of Avastin. He and I are expecting that the loss of vision I have experienced with the CRVO will be restored over time. My biggest issue is just adapting to the disorientation of having one eye that does not work. Walking and steps are a challenge for me. Fortunately, even though I am 73, I am in good shape, exercise, do balance exercises daily, and am working on muscle tone. So, I can pretty much handle maneuvering, but I don't feel confident. For example, I used to walk outside daily; however, now I feel more comfortable on the treadmill. (Well, to be fair, since I'm in Jacksonville, FL, I admit to preferring the air conditioning inside as opposed to 95 degrees outside!) I am a firm believer in a person's ability to improve her own condition. I know my issues will improve. It's just right now, this disorientation is something I've not experienced before. You are gracious to offer your experiences, and I look forward to any comments you have.
Thank you, Sue.
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@ashby1947 hi it’s Rhoda @rckj. Nice to hear from you. I too believe in a person’s ability to work to help the healing. I think I have to as it’s been a rough ride and sounds like a rough ride for you too. It’s Sue, right? You are doing so much to help yourself and that is incredibly admirable! Not everyone tries and works as hard as you do although I’m not sure I understand why. I have had short periods of hating the fight but I refuse to give up.
Eye conditions are incredibly disorienting. I have corneal dystrophy, which causes degeneration of the cornea rather unpredictably. Multiple surgeries to repair the corneas, may mean transplant at some point but I’ve been lucky so far. Although I don’t look it, I am also very cross eyed and wear very strong prisms in my glasses. Without the prisms, I get what my MD calls ghosting, basically double vision. Very astigmatic and nearsighted. Am I throwing around too many medical terms?! Always worse as the day goes on. Just developed blepharitus which means the eyelash ducts are blocked and need to be treated daily. Maybe 5 to 6 drops or ointments 2 to 3 times a day. Not hard to remember as my eyes remind me with discomfort. Hope I’m not overwhelming you but I also have Addison’s disease (adrenal failure) and must substitute artificial adrenal drugs for the ones I don’t make. Recent pulmonary clots, so blood thinners. My medicine bag looks like a pharmacy!
Many people have it worse and I’m a fighter. I think you are too!
But back to the basic issue. Having had periods of being impaired in one or another eye and having double vision is incredibly disorienting. I sometimes just close my eyes and listen to music, or my MD recommends spotting, basically picking an object, a painting, a spot on the wall and looking at it, using it to help settle down the various fluctuations. Works some of the time.
You are fighting the good fight! I believe it will improve and I will keep you in my thoughts. I would love to stay in touch. Also if this was not what you needed, let me know what would be more helpful. I really want to know how I can help and I won’t be offended, not in my nature.
Demographics as an FYI I’m Rhoda, just turned 60, and am a practicing doctoral licensed clinical psychologist. Married to an amazing guy who is a astrophysicist, whew. He is very supportive. I’m north of you by quite a bit on the east coast.
It takes awhile and practice to feel more confident but you are doing so much to help yourself! You are admirable. Only thing I can think of right now is do you have a support system? I find it hard to lean on people and sometimes try to seem healthier than I am. I am learning how to let people I love who love me, help me. It makes a huge difference and strangely enough makes me feel more independent. All my best wishes and hoping to stay in touch, Rhoda.