double vision

[serenity402]

does anyone else have major problems driving with double vision and memory lapses where they cannot remember if they stopped at that robot or how they got to a certain place, i have been told by my neuro that i cannot drive anymore and its frustrating

[Audrey_M]

There's another post about driving, but most of the people responding have problems with their legs.

For me, my biggest problem is extreme lightheadness that can be accompanied by blurred or double vision, and yes, it makes driving incredibly difficult. When this first happened, I did not drive for almost three months, because the flickering of lights made things even worse.

I have missed six days of work in the last several months due to this- I have a 45 minute drive to work that is all highway, with no place to pull over. There have also been times when things will seem to get darker and I don't know if it is the weather or my vision. The whole thing with driving has caused panic attacks, but I now know how to talk myself into trying to stay calm.

My vision problems were mostly distance, but recently I noticed that I am having probelms with near vision as well. I have prisms in my glasses, yet that doesn't stop the days of blurred or double vision, so it has to be neurological in nature.

One thing I wonder...for others, what time of day is your vision the worst? For me it is usually in the morning and gets better through the day. This is another reason I am fairly confident that it is neuro; if it were muscular, my eyes would be better in the morning after a good night's sleep, but tire as the day goes on.

I have not had any memory problems that effect driving. That too shall soon pass!

Audrey

[onewingedove]

Hi, serenity! I'm so sorry to hear that you're no longer permitted to drive. ((hugs)) It makes ya wonder how much more freedom is gonna be taken away from us. Oh, I SO understand how you're feeling!

As wobbly said, cover the one eye when it happens, or if it's going on for a long time, get a patch for yourself. From what I read, the patch isn't supposed to be used for long periods of time because it slows down the brain, or causes it to become lazy. (Imo, I call it "lazier")

My memory is horrible, too, so again, like the others, we're never alone. It just feels like it sometimes, and it totally bums us out. I've been to stores and forgotten where I was, who I was, and how I got there. The other day, I went for a walk to the convenience store, and crazy me didn't write a list, and as I was walking in the door, I panicked then quickly walked out the door, because I forgot why I was there. The stories I could tell....

Hang in there!

[Wobbly]

I get double vision and don't drive when this happens.  I have blurry/double vision at times and need to cover one eye to help see.  Otherwise it's way to hard to see anything.  

and memory well, lets say I have double vision and don't drive when this happens.

I forget things that I'm doing.. I could start doing dishes and put the water on and then think of something else and forget I have the water on and then I have a wet problem..

hang in there
wobbly

[ashleyPT]

I had double vision last feb and it made driving very difficult.  When I am tired or sick or hot then the double vision increases.  I often drive with one eye closed, but I stay in the right lane and try to avoid highways and speed, just because I don't feel comfortable.  Also, when I started having cognitive issues, I was having difficulty with decisions during driving - not reactions, but where I wanted to turn or get into a lane.  I couldn't remember who got there first in 4 way stops, or when it was my turn.  

Driving is so important to our independance, I wonder if there are accommodations that are possible for you to make and remain safe on the road.  Sometimes occupational therapists can help with that sort of thing.  Creating checklists, or teaching compensations to make short distances safe.  I'm so sorry.

[daisy.girl]

Hi..
I have vision issues too, blurry and occasional double vision. One time I had the double vision for about two weeks. I could not drive during that time. It is sooo frustrating! I do have to really concentrate on where I am going though.

Sorry you are not to drive anymore....I know that must me very hard.