Double vision after macular pucker vitrectomy

[tictactoe68]

I am a 43-year-old woman. I had a vitrectomy on January 18 to remove a macular pucker from my retina and for floaters left by a vitreous detachment. As my vision began to clear after surgery, I began seeing double.  I'm seeing separate images from each eye, but they are not "meshing" together when using both eyes. I do not have double vision when I cover either eye, it's only when I try to use my eyes together. Before surgery, my vision was distorted due to the macular pucker and I had an extremely large floater, but I was not seeing double.

My retina looks fine post-surgery and the retina specialist doesn't know why I have double vision. He sent me back to the optometrist who, after seeing me, said he believes my double vision is a processing problem. The optometrist said my vision was so compromised before the surgery that my brain can't put the images from each eye together. He prescribed prisms which I should be getting this week.

I'm trying to educate myself on what's happening and am finding little to none on "processing problems" such as mine. I'm also concerned there could be more at play here since I have Lyme disease and have a first degree relative with Grave's disease.

I'm not sure what to think. I'm trying learn more and figure out how I want to proceed. Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

[Ruth1246]

Thanks for your reply after reading your other replies I did ask my retinal surgeon if there would could be any membrane left behind and would he be able to tell he assured me he would as I have had several scans done on my eye. I will however think about getting a second opinion from another retinal specialist.AlsoI think i will put in a claim for medical .misadventure Again Jodie Thankyou so much for your advice and support  Ruth Solly.

[JodieJ]

I can't give you a definitive answer.  My situation is similar to yours--I had no image size difference between my eyes (causing my double vision) before ERM surgery.  In my case, I believe that the problem was caused by pieces of ERM left in my eye by my surgeon (who was very much aware of this but never informed me.)  Apparently, the remaining ERM continued to exert traction on my macula resulting in a changed photoreceptor distribution, which produced an image size difference and double vision.  I suspected that there was a problem with my surgery and consulted several respected local retinal surgeons, all of whom told me to "go home and live with it."  (Apparently, it takes special skills to remove small pieces of ERM, and this was beyond the ability of retinal surgeons in my area.)  In any case, Dr. de Wit's correction eliminated my double vision.  Three years later I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, where Dr. Steve Charles easily removed the remaining ERM.  Afterwards, I got about a 50% improvement in my image size difference.  I corresponded with some British researchers, who speculated that the delay between my surgeries caused some permanent damage to my macula, and I was very unlikely to get further improvement.

I think that you could make a very strong case that your surgery caused your double vision.  Let me know if I can help you with that.  Possibly, a second retinal surgery might help your situation.  

[Ruth1246]

Jodie can u tell me if the retinal induced aniseikonia I am experiencing is a result of the epiretinal membrane or from the surgery to remove it . I didn't have any double distorted vision before the surgery . I had a look  on the net but couldn't really find anything . If it is due to the surgery I can get some help through acc ( accident compensation ) to help with all the lenses that I have to pay for that don't seem to help the problem .   Thanks Ruth.

[Ruth1246]

Thanks Jodie i really appreciate all your suggestions and support idon't know anyone else with this condition and it seems difficult for others to understand how disabling and distressing it is  so it was great for me to get support from you.  Many thanks Ruth  I will keep in touch and let u know how things go with me .

[JodieJ]

This type of correction often involves some tweaking, but I really believe that you can come up with something that works for you.  I'm always available if you have questions.

[Ruth1246]

Hi Jodie thank you so much for all your help and advice will let u know how my driving glasses turn  out once they arrive ,again many thanks for all your help cheers Ruth Solly