Sudden feeling of eyes crossing and lose of focus

[PamH21]

I had open heart surgery in August 2009. It was a heart condition from birth and I now have a Pace maker and a Mechanical auortic valve. I am 60 years old. Since the Surgery I have been on Coumidin and metoprolol. About once a week I experience the sensation of my eys crossing and I am dizzy. I have been exercising more and it seems that if I am fatigued I tend to have this happen. It is frightening b/c I don't know what is causing this sensation. This is the first time in my life I have had to take any kind of medication so I didn't know if that was causing this or if it was my heart. I go back to the cardiologist next week and I will discuss it with him but I thought maybe you could give me some insight. My dad and brother have glaucoma I had a clean bill of health at my last eye exam, however that was before I had my heart surgery. So there are alot of questions about my sight. The sensations only last about 30 sec or less but they are frightening. I am continually worring that I will have one while driving.
thanks for any advice you can give me.
PH

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear PamH21,

I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD and speak with your cardiologist. This may indicate ischemia and should be monitored.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[tomboy42]

I sincerely hope someone can provide info for your prob...I had the EXACT same experience just this a.m. I am not on any of your type of meds but do take Lotab for back pain...I am 42 and have never had anything similar...scared the heck outta me!!