crossed eyes and cataract

My father who is 83 years old has cataract in his right eye. He has been postponing the surgery for a long time. Last week his right eye suddenly shifted, started pointing about 45 degrees to the right of the normal orientation and he started seeing things double. Since his right eye does not see much, this is not a serious problem. However, the cataract has to be removed and after that he will really start seeing things double. In this situation, is it advisable or worthwhile to undergo cataract surgery? Will the eye shift correct itself? If not, what is the remedial action?

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

Your father needs to get in to the ophthalmologist TOMORROW. A sudden shift like that can be due to a stroke in the brain or other serious medical problems. If he walks, talks, acts differently see his personal MD to rule out stroke.

JCH III MD

[keasan]

Thanks for the advice. Well, he walks, taks and acts perfectly normal, albeit a little worried. He has consulted an ophthalmologist and has been advised cataract surgery with results uncertain, i.e. nothing can be said about occurrence or otherwise of double vision.
As I anticipate, he will have double vision. What then? Can he or should he undergo another surgey for correcting the eye shift?

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

As I said your father needs to see an Eye MD ASAP. He/she can answer your questions. Find an Eye MD at www.aao.org


JCH III MD