Post Orbital Wall Surgery...What is normal?

I blew out my orbital wall with 2 fractures on Dec 29th 2009 with muscle entrapment. I recently had surgery for it on Jan 20th. During the time in between the injury and the surgery, I had to wear a patch due to the double vision. It has been 5 days since the surgery and I am still having double vision, about the same as before. I also have what looks like water pockets on the whites of my eye, swelling, leaking and continued pain. Is this normal?

What is the typical recovery time? What can I expect over the next couple weeks. How much longer will the double vision persist?

Any help would be much appreciated!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It may take a couple of moths for your double vision to clear and there is a possibility it will not clear up and may be permanent. If not better in a couple to three weeks ask for a second opinion with a strabismus Eye MD.

CJHDM

[anonymous861]

Hi John,

I had a blowout fracture around 4 months back.I didn't have any surgery done till now but my eyeball is sunken and while playing cricket it is hard to see the ball and have some difficulty looking upwards.The doctor said that if you do the surgery there is a 5-10% chance of having double vision?

I am confused whether to have a surgery or not.I would love to know your thoughts about the same.

If i get a doulbe vision after the surgery,can that be cured ?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

First be absolutely sure you never play any racquet or contact sport without full eye protection. I suspect that may be how you got the blow out in the first place.

I would suggest you get several additional opinions from a strabismus surgeon and an oculoplastic surgeon.  The chance of post op complications are significant.

The type of double vision that follows an attempt to correct your situation is very difficult and often does not completely cure the double vision.

If you can live with what you've got think about doing it.

JCH MD