Does she have any other odd symptoms?
Does the double vision go away when she covers one eye?
Is it actually double vision, or is it just ghosting?
When she has the double vision, is it all the time, or on and off during the day? Does anything bring it on, such as reading, or heat?
Just asking out of curiosity. I have a longtime unexplained problem with vertical ghosting (in both eyes separately) after I read or when I'm very tired. The ophthalmologist didn't seem to know what is causing it nor apparently even what to call it, but he gave me some reading prescription that prevents it from occurring when I read. Mine was not "sudden onset," and it never goes away.
I have to tilt my head UP in order to lose the ghosting when it occurs. That is what I don't understand. Once my head reaches a certain upward angle, the ghosting abruptly and completely disappears. The neuro-ophthalmologist (in a five-minute visit after I saw the ophthalmologist) had me look through a pinhole, which made the ghosting disappear, and thus he determined that it was a refraction issue (eye problem as opposed to nerve or muscle problem, I presume--neither doctor then said anything more to me about the nature of the problem, just gave me a new prescription, but it worked!).
It sounds like your friend has certainly had the full workup... it's a bit surprising to find out how much the doctors CAN'T explain, as I assumed earlier in life... in your 40s all kinds of weird stuff can start happening! Many things can remain unexplained.
Nancy T.
yes intermittant 3 years....lasts a few weeks than goes back to 20/20 vision ....saw a strabismus specilaist...refered back to neuro-opto
Hello ck3471 I assume from the way you wrote this that eventually the verticle double vision (3 years ago) cleared up and has now reoccured.
Charcot Marie Tooth should not be a factor. The face turn and head tilt to try and acheive single vision and the vertical component indicate the problem is likely the inferior oblique, superior oblique, superior rectus or inferior rectus eye muscles that are not working properly. Of these the superior oblique (4th cranial nerve paresis) is the most common.
I would suggest she see a strabismus specialist since she's alaready seen a neuo-ophthalmologist. Re-evaluation is appropriate with the reoccurence.
JCH III MD Eye Physiciand & Surgeon