focus problems

[trbr]

I was in a car accident in Feb. 2007.. i suffered  a concussion, broken C3, broken collar bone and ruptered diaphragm. Since being released from hospitalI have noticed a problem with my vision. At first it was double real bad, but now I seem to not beable to focus. (if thats how I want to explain it) It is double if I'm laying on my side and propping my head up. In stores I feel like I'm seeing cross-eyed. I think alot of it has to do with brightness, like the sun or light colored rooms seem to mess with me. I went to eye doc. they said eyes were fine and sent me on my way. So if you could help I'd appreciate it.

[Dnavarro]

Even having an eye exam from an optometrist will give you equal results than from an ophthalmologist as long as there is no surgery. An Optomwetrist is equally qulaified to perform an eye exam. Further more, an optometrist can get you in to the office faster than an ophthalmologist

[JohnHaganMD]

I am a board certified ophthalmologist but not the forum physician.

There are many types of examinations that pass for "an eye examination". You need to have a complete medical eye examination by an ophthalmologist that includes a dilated retinal examination. If you did not have that type of examination (say for example you had a non-dilated glasses exam at the mall) you need to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.

If your examination was of the type I recommended then I would seek a second opinion from another ophthalmologists.

There are a variety of things that could cause your problem. If you are in your early 40's sometimes normal age related reading problems (Presbyopia) can begin after an accident or injury. The cause is related to age and gets worse as we get older.This is treated with reading glasses or bifocals.

Trouble focusing can be a component of a post-concusion injury. It usually improves with time in the younger patient but can last for months. Sometimes medications (pain meds, muscle relaxants, anxiety and psychiatric drugs, motion sickness patches, stomach and diarrhea medicines) can cause trouble with reading or focusing.

In rare cases injury to the brain and its nerves can cause visual problems.

This gets back to the original recommendation to see an ophthalmologist to begin your evaluation.

JCH Board Certified Ophthalmologist

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

Your question has been answered by 'circumspect' a physician member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This is a new forum and we're sorry for the delay in getting your question answered.