Dear Karen:
Sorry to hear about your problem. I think I would revisit the Mayo Clinic and see a neuro-opthalmologist. It might very well be that your epidermoid tumor has grown alittle and is affecting the nerve that controls up and down eye movement. Yes, epidermoids are congenital but they can grow and cause problems. We do see these occasionally. They are really sticky type tumors (meaning difficult to remove from the structures they surround). Be sure to take your MRI films with you, if you have a copy or have them sent to the neuro-opthalmologist if you don't have copies.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I too have double vision in both eyes just like Karen's. It came on overnight when I was 15 (I'm now 35). I have seen several opticians who couldn't find anything wrong but one said it is a form of double astigmatism. This makes sense as far as the symptom goes but why would this have happened so suddenly? I have learned to live with it and tell people I have 40/40 vision. Should I seek another opinion?
Dear Judy:
Actually, there is no such thing as 40/40 vision. I would worry about someone telling you about a problem with your vision if they give you that sort of information. Vision is based on 20 feet, so is you see 20/20 then you have normal vision. I would see a neuro-opthalmologist. Bilateral diplopia is not normal and could indicate a worrisome thing, but you have also had this condition for a very long time without bad problems. Anyway, I would see the neuro-opthalmologist.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Thanks for the advice. I'm sorry you didn't get my English sarcastic comment about 40/40 vision. It's just a joke - 20/20 doubled - not hilarious - but there's no harm in humour when talking about one's afflictions. I'll see if i can get to see a neuro-opthalmologist.
Dear Judy:
Sorry that I didn't get the joke. Most people on this forum do not use humor in their postings, so I tend to take most things as serious.
CCF Neuro MD