Cataract Implants and Double Vision

Dear Dr. Michael Kutryb:

My 93-year-old aunt had cataract implants (regular ones) put in both eyes.  She has double vision in one eye only.  What causes this double vision in just one eye?  She has had the double vision for more than 3 weeks.  I don't think it is getting any better.  Can you please give me any ideas you might have so I can relay the information to her.

Thank you
hsum4

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

If just in one eye only, the most common cause is astigmatism and new glasses should resolve the problem.  If she has double vision only when both eyes are open and it goes away if she closed either eye, then that is much more complex and involves the muscles that move the eyes and a possible serious misalingment of the eyes (called strabismus.)  Her eye surgeon needs to be made aware of the problem and should be able to give the answer as to what is going on.

Michael Kutryb, MD
Kutryb Eye Institute
Titusville, FL
Edgewater, FL