Double vision after cataract surgery

[gordon2_4]

I had my second cataract done 3 weeks ago. When the patch came off the day after surgery i was seeing double when i look up and to the right only. Had no problems with double vision before. My doctor told me it was the fourth cranial nerve that is causing the problem due to the injection before surgery.I took pictures and you can see the left eye which is the last one done is not tracking with the left one when i look to the right. Will this straighten out on its own and if so how long will it take and if not what can be done to fix it. Thanks

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

This type of problem can result from the anesthetic, but can also be the result of other conditions.  I would have an evaluation by an ocular motility (strabismus) specialist.

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Usually clears within a month or worse case scenario six months.  If not better by then, you will need to consult with a strabismus surgeon to fix the eyes' alignment.

HV