Diplopia (Double Vision) Help!

I had double vision after detached retina surgery and had to give up driving until it was corrected. I was referred to a specialist who prescribed prism lense addition to existing glasses and they worked. The prism lense ad-ons do not change your glasses prescription, they just correct alignment to prevent double vision.

I was fitted with prism lenses/ eyeglasses which I never adjusted to those. Now doing physical therapy for balance. Have not been able to improve my condition. It seems to worsen towards nighttime.

Are you sure the corrective lenses are the correct prescription for you? The first pair of prism glasses that I received (after extensive testing and evaluation by a very good Optometrist) were not right. I had another complete evaluation by the same Optometrist, and she made adjustments to the lenses. Second pair of prism glasses work great! I'm now waiting for third paid of glasses to be finished. These will just have correction for reading and up close. What is your worsening at nighttime? I assume you have dry eyes. What do you use for that, because it could be affecting your nighttime problems. I'm currently at the Balance Center and hope that helps.

<p>After tube shunt surgery for glaucoma, I developed diplopia. I have prism glasses which enable me to work at the computer and read. However, I need no corrective lenses to see far away, about 6 feet and farther. I can't wear either pair of prism glasses when I'm walking because of the distortion. This produces a tremendous disorientation - like not seeing a step in perspective and not really being able to see my feet clearly. If you have diplopia, you will understand - it's difficult to explain. I am working with a balance therapist and expect to improve. I also developed a Central Retinal Vein Occlusion 4 weeks ago, for which I am receiving injections. I expect I will regain my vision; however, at present this contributes to my disorientation. I am an optimist and fortunately have excellent physicians. While I have a strong tolerance for dealing with health issues, I am experiencing a high stress level. Some of it is the length of time I've been dealing with it, 7 months (I know it could be worse), but it is difficult not to be able to read or use the computer for any length of time, and feeling so unstable and disoriented. I am an active 73 y.o. I am asking for anyone who has dealt with similar issues to tell me of your experiences. My usual sources of support are there for me; however, it is impossible for me to help them understand what it is I'm dealing with. Thank you in advance for any insights!</p>

Hi @ashby1947, I moved your latest message to the discussion you already started about diplopia (double vision). I'd also like to add @travelgirl @beka @shellyleon_dd @treyaj @rckj and @quiteachiver75 to this discussion. They too have experienced double vision and multiple health issues and will be able to share with you.

You might also be interested in this discussion:
- Worsening diplopia with no explanation https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/worsening-diplopia-with-no-explanation/

Ashby, how was your appointment at the Balance Center? What did you do there?

@ashby1947. @colleenyoung I am @rckj otherwise known as Rhoda. I’ve been out of the loop on the site for a bit due to exacerbation of my chronic illnesses, including eye problems. After I saw Colleen’s post, I thought maybe I could be helpful. I can tell my story, offer advice, offer what worked and what didn’t, offer support, etc. What would be most helpful to you? Best wishes, Rhoda.

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.

@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.

I am so glad to finally read something about double vision. Mine started after my second shunt surgery. That surgery also resulted in a slight sagging oh my right eyelid and an enlarged pupil of that eye. After reading the above posts, I’m thinking that I should revisit the idea of adding prism to my glasses. Thankfully, mine doesn’t bother me when I watch TV, but it does a great deal when I read and text. I know it doesn’t change my situation but just to know that others have had this complication from surgery.
…mary4free6

Hi Everyone,
In Feb, I had a hip replacement and was sent home 3 days later. I felt weak and ended up falling and got 3 fractures. I hit my head pretty hard when I fell and was unconscious for a short time. The hospital focused on my hip. When I was able to get out of rehab, I made an appointment with with my ophthalmologist who is now sending me to a neuro-opthalmologist as I have vertical double vison at night. The diagnosis is cn Iv palsy- cranial nerve 4 palsy. Have any of you had this and did you need surgery? This year has been mainly medical with my hip, fractures, PT and my poor husband tried to stop me from falling so I fell on him and he has a sprained back.
Thank you for any help you can give me.