Vision problems after abdominal surgery - Scopolamine patch

[csjdiver]

I just had a laparotomy for endometriosis and ovarian cysts 2 weeks ago.  The surgery appeared to go well.  The next day after surgery, I realized my vision was poor, my prescription eyeglasses for nearsightedness would not allow me to see even objects up close clearly.  I told the nurse and she removed the scopolamine patch behind my left ear.  I had never been given that before and have no idea why they decided to use it.  I went home from the hospital with blurry vision and 2 weeks later not much has improved.  
Symptoms:
bright light hurts eyes- must use hat and sunglasses outdoors
dizzy and distorted vision when in bright light
cannot drive
riding in car makes me sick if my eyes stay open
can only use the computer limited time approx. 1 hr before eye strain
eyelids twitch when closing independently
pupil dialation appears normal

I went to my eye dr.  He was convinced I had a bad reaction to the scopolamine patch.  He said it would take days to weeks for it to go away.  He said the scopolamine affected the focusing mechanism in my eye.  My blood vessels and eye nerves looked perfect, he said.  He could tell my focus distance was off.  
My OB/GYN sent me to a neurologist.  He couldn't determine what was wrong from the office exam, but ordered a MRI and bloodwork, including thyroid tests.
I am totally overwhelmed by the possibility that my vision will never be the same again.  I am a 38 yr old healthy working mom.  But may lose my job if I can't get back to work soon.

[CharlestonSCHeather]

I’m going back to my surgeon. So you think I should go to my eye doctor? And this won’t go away on its own?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I would mention it to your surgeon. If he has no explantion I would see your 'eye doctor'  No way I can tell if it will go away. They symptoms themselves suggest the need to see an Eye MD or optometrist.

[CharlestonSCHeather]

I did not have abdominal surgery, but elective surgery.. and am having the same vision issues. I'm a week out and it's like I'm seeing double from a distance, and up close, things are fuzzy, even when wearing my prescription glasses. I have a dr. appt. tomorrow and will ask him about it, but was never on an anti-nausea patch.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

What kind of a doctor? The surgeon? Or an Eye MD or optometrist. You need your eyes checked.

[JohnHaganMD]

Suggest you get another opinion at a major medical center that deals with ultra serious or unusual diseases
JCH MD

[MiraloraT]

I know this is an old post, but I recently had my third major surgery in less than three years - 5th major in 10, and for the first time I'm having lingering side effects.  Exactly the same vision issues you describe.  Initially, my surgeon said it should self correct in 6-8 weeks. After 4 months I'm seeing the same issues with no improvement.  I saw my eye doc and a specialist and was told it was similar to a chemical induced brain trauma, similar to a physical concussion.  At this point I've been told its most likely permanent. and I'm looking as "reasonable accommodations" per the ADA for my job.  Very little information out there  that I'm finding.  

I hope your condition has improved by this point in time.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Your vision this long after the scopollamine patch is much more likely affected by your weakened condition and the recovery processs or any medications you might be taking than the patch.

The scope will clear out of your system max a week. Nothing in a scope patch is permanent.

JCH MD