Sudden onset of a "wandering," out-of-focus eye

[roseann55]

One of my friend's eyes started "wandering" to the corner this past weekend, is having problem with peripheral vision; hasn't resolved itself.   Can this be strabismus and can the onset be so sudden, or could this be a harbinger of something more serious?   (He has an appointment with an ophthamologist but is increasingly anxious about it).  Thank you.  

[roseann55]

Thank you.  I am concluding, from your advice, that there could be a risk for a life threatening event, like stroke or heart attack or seizure.   My friend lives alone so my only other questions would be, 1) am I on the right track, here, 2) should he go to the emergency room, or 3) stay with someone in case an emergency situation arises?   He is scheduled to be seen tomorrow afternoon, but has an work-related (legal) appointment in a nearby suburb he needs to drive to in the morning.  

Thank you again,

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

It could be a cranial nerve palsy, which can sometimes also be a sign of a much  more serious problems.  I would make sure they were seen right away - not in a few days.

MJK MD