Double Vision correction

[doublevision1]

I was Dx'd with MS in Oct 2007.  Have had persistent double vision (due to 6th nerve palsy) since onset of MS symptoms in Sept 2007.  My ophthalmologist has observed marginal improvement; I have my eyes tested every 3-4 weeks.  Still too severe for prisms to be helpful.  I have been told it may take many months to improve, or, may not get much better than it is now.  If improvement entirely ceases at some point, is strabismus surgery a possible option?  My neuro thinks no; my ophtha thinks maybe.  Should I specifically consult with a neuro-ophthalmologist for an opinion?

[binkswife69]

How I first got dx in 99 was because of the double vision.  Took them 9 yrs. to dx.  Was on steroid treatment for couple of weeks.  It lasted for a couple of months.  I ware an eye patch, argh the pirate complex.
It did clear up for me.  It does come back at times.  
Oh yeah crazy tip for watching TV.  For some reason if I watched it with my head up side down, lay on bed with head leaning over edge, picture was clear.  Don't know if it will work for you but for what ever reason helped me.
I don't know if this helps but as you will find on here there are a lot of great people with great support and answers!
Best of luck and remember you are not alone.
Kelly

[binkswife69]

Also on the surgery issue.  If it was me and I got to that point I would go see a neuro-ophthalmologist.  Surgery is a big decision.  Hopefully someone on here has had either had surgery for this or is dealing with  permanent double vision.  I do have an issue with eyes, macular degeneration, not wet kind,  but they say it is not due to MS.  Runs in family.  None have really lost much vision.  
Best wishes and welcome to the MS family.
Kelly

[gooddays]

Hi and welcome to our family.  This is the place for answers and companionship.

I have been dealing with MS for 14 years now.  I was finally dxd in 2003, but have had permanent double vision for 14 years.  I have seen too many doctors for my taste and have had so many dxs, but MS.

As of December 2007, my neuro-ophtalmologist decided that I would have to wear an eye patch on my left eye for at least 18 hours a day for a period of 6 months to a year to see if my double vision clears up.  Needless to say, the 18 hours become 24 because if I go to sleep with the  patch, I would wake up with it.  It is not easy, but I am hoping it will work.

The physician does not recommend surgery because he understands that it has been way too long with the condition and that it would be useless to have it done now.  If I am at home I wear an adhering patch, but when I leave the house, I still work, I have an occlusion lens adhered to my left lens, but for cosmetic reasons my eye looks little blured, but I cannot see at all through the lens.  It was hard at first, but now I am used to it.

I am not saying that should not seek an appointment with a neuro-ophthalmologist, if you think it may clear your doubts, by all means please do, before it is too late like in my case.

I hope everything turns up fine and that your double vision clears up sooner that you expect.  Please keep us posted.

Zulma (Gooddays)

[doublevision1]

Thanks to you both for your feedback.  Sorry Zulma that you have had this troubling symptom for so long; I hope what you are doing now will help to alleviate it.

I too have been wearing a patch intermittently, ie: when I really need my vision like reading and using the computer.  Thanks Kelly for the TV watching tip.  I find by tilting my head to the left far enough, I can make the second image go away.  Unfortunately this causes a stiff neck after awhile, but it is a good coping mechanism.

I've been off work since Sept; mainly because of the fatigue, double vision, and a burning sensation in my right arm.  I find my eyes seem very tired and strained after staring at the computer screen for short periods, much more so than before all of this happened.  

I am really hoping for a recovery as in my current state, working would be extremely difficult as I spend many hours at a computer and have to have a high degree of concentration for my work, which is analytical in nature.  Being off ill has been very difficult as I am somewhat of a workaholic and have never been off work since the age of 18 (am 40 now).  I have a very good employer and so far am not being pressured to return, and I have a full year of temporary disability before I would need to go on LTD.  However I feel I'm way too young to be leaving the workforce (as I'm sure all with MS must feel).  

Anyway thanks for the insight, I think I'll also try to post on the Neurology forum and see what the doctor here has to say.  When I get more info on this I'll let you know.  Perhaps it will be of use to yoruselves or others.

Thanks!