Vision Impaired (Double Vision)

Posted by Dan Loscalzo on August 06, 1999 at 10:17:11
My mother is 82 years old. When I was out with her yesterday she suddenly lost her vision-focus while walking. She said everything appeared like she was looking crosseyed. For a minute or more she couldn't correct it. She said she didn't feel light headed or dizzy but she couldn't focus her vision. She has never had this problem before and it may her quite worried. She is not normally a worrier so it got me pretty concerned.
Background on my Mom: She has been treated for LUPUS for seven or so years. Until a month ago , She was on Fosomax, Placenal and Oscal (500 + D Calcium). About a month ago, based on her eye exam results, her optomoligist (& PCP) suggested she switch from Placenal to Miacalain Spray. Mom had not noticed any problems with her eyes. After she switched, she was re-tested by her optomologist (about two weeks ago)  and he said her eyes looked fine.
My Mom has also been diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis but very seldom experiences any of the symptoms (i.e. Shortness of breath,  palpitations, dizziness). Her cardiologist saw her two days ago and said she was doing fine.
My question is with my Mom's current problem and background, where do I start ? The Neurology, PCP, Lupus Specialist, Eye Specialist or Cardiologist. Is there anything that jumps out at you based on herproblem and background ? Could she possibly had a small stroke.
Posted by CCF MD GS on August 06, 1999 at 13:58:26
Thanks for the question. It is hard to say what the event is that your mother had and possibly talking to her in detail could elucidate the problem nicely. She has several medical conditions that could be contributing to her problem and certainly she needs to start somewhere. It would be resonable to see the first doctor that you can get in with to help clear this up. Since some of the possible diagnoses are very serious (stroke) I would not delay in having her seen. Good luck and give us an update. I should add that this forum is not for treating acute neurologic symptoms and in cases such as this you should seek immediate medical attention.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.