Strabismus and Neuroplasticity

I did this from grade 4 when it developed to grade 10, It did not work so insurance finally paid for surgery. Thus was back in the early 80s. Having an eye turn growing up was horrible. I have been told many times since that it rarely works once you are older.

Hi @lynniecat Not all cases will resolve with exercise but worth a try before using surgery. How was the surgery for you immediately after? Did it last or was a revision needed? Thanks for your reply. I hope your strabismus was resolved. I tried the exercises with some improvements but not enough to resolve my strabismus. As a result I am going through the corrective eye surgery and have scheduled an appointment with my neuro ophthalmologist. Are there any specific questions to keep in mind for my surgeon? He told me the procedure will take less than 15 minutes outpatient. It can take up to 6 weeks to heal. The eyes will be red. Toni

It resolved but double vision returned after 30 years or so ... trying to decide my next move.

I have diplopia (double vision) from an eye surgery that left a muscle in the wrong place. In addition to a prism lense in my glasses, vision therapy has greatly improved my vision. It's work, but I have found it well worth the effort. HOpe you can find an ophthamolgist or low vision specialist who can help you. Good luck!

Hi @ashby1947 I believe eye exercises can help strengthen the muscles that are weak in order to bring both eyes to focus on the same image. Did you go to an eye therapist or vision therapy group to get help? Glad you found a solution. Will you have to continue with the exercises at home?

Hi @lynniecat I am sorry to hear it came back. Do you know the cause? Will a prism in eye glasses help? You may want to see an ophthalmologist since your double vision occurred so long ago. Discuss your options for treatment with the ophthalmologist. The treatment will be dependent on the cause. You may want to go to a vision therapist and ask if eye exercises will help. Sometimes an eye doctor may be hesitant in regards to vision therapy. The vision therapist will do an initial assessment to determine the possibility of exercises helping you. I wish you well.

Hello again. YOu are right that eye exercises help strengthen the muscles; however, the primary function is to retrain the brain to focus correctly. I saw a vision therapist for about 6 months, and my prism diopter went from 9.3 to 4.5, which is very good. Then the covid stuff hit and I no longer went to VT. Continuing the exercises at home just was not giving me the results I wanted. I went to see a pediatric ophthomologist who primarily works with kids crossed eyes, "lazy eye", and adult strabismus. She was absolutely the best I've ever worked with and gave me the most thorough exam I've ever had. I have several other eye issues for which I see ophthomologists. In general, ophthomologists don't believe in VT, but mine do now! OFtentimes an optometist who specializes in low vision is a good contact. I am fortunate to live in Jacksonville, FL and have access to excellent resources. My VT now is a a computer program that I do 5/wk and plan to continue as I am seeing some progress. Each dipolpia is different and therefore the tx is different. I only have issues with convergence and wear my corrective lenses for reading and computer. No need for TV or driving. I'm 74. I hope some of this was of benefit. Why did your diplopia return after 30 years? Hope this is a good day! Sue

@ashby1947 nice meeting you. The exercises to retrain your brain is neuroplasticity. Besides vision it is helpful in resolving many other issues by using different nerve paths to complete tasks that were done before. I have strabismus due to muscles in one eye not turning the eyeball downward or inward. My eyes do not align to see the same image. I have tried eye exercises. I currently see a pediatric neuro ophthalmologist and have an upcoming appointment. I will ask if he believes in vision therapy. Perhaps exercises will help me after the corrective surgery. My strabismus never returned. I believe you are referring to @lynniecat. Thank you for your information. I live in central Florida and feel I am lucky to have found a neuro ophthalmologist. There are not many that specialized with my vision problems due to an aneurysm. Wish you well.

I go to Mass Eye and Ear so I am lucky it be near great doctors. The thing that bothers me s that we are assuming my double vision is from past strabismus. However I have other health issues. People are not aware that my eyes don’t line up - it’s very subtle. Before surgery it was extreme.

@lynniecat haven’t your doctors conduct tests to determine the cause of your double vision? I have heard strabismus sometimes coming back. Knowing your medical history, your doctors should be able to provide you an explanation. If you are not comfortable with the diagnosis always get a second opinion. It might mean traveling for a second opinion but it may be well worth it.