Double Vision

[ccbIII]

I have been experiencing double vision for a couple of weeks. Have seen the opthamologist who referred me to a neurologist. My left eye is not tracking with my right eye. Am told that the 3rd and 4th muscle/nerve are having problems.. Seeing double when I look up and when I look to the right. Have had MRI/MRA multiple blood tests, facial nerve shock test and am about to have a spinal tap... A couple of months ago I got a new glasses perscription... could a change in perscription be the cause? I am seeing double with and without the glasses.

[ccbIII]

THank you for your thoughts. PLease see my note to caregiver222.

[ccbIII]

Thank you for your thoughts. Yes, the neurologist recommended the eye patch on my first visit and I have been wearing, and there is discussion of possibly being referred to a neuro-opthamologist in either Houston or Dallas.

[ccbIII]

I have connected the neurologist and my carteologist (2007 bypass) and the next step they are taking is to do the normal CPK blood test. It is time for that anyway and will rule out the statin. It is the only medication I am taking other than asprin. All other tests are coming in negative. Spinal tap is likely to follow shortly.

Side note. I am 55 and have not experienced double vision before, nor am I awar of any family history.

Apprecaite your thoughts.

[Dr Vinod]

The change of prescription or your visit to an optometrist is not a cause of double vision.

The trochlear nerve (the fourth cranial nerve, controls downward eye movement with consequent vertical diplopia (double vision) - a congenital defect, in which the development of the fourth nerve is defective.
There are two more cranial nerves which supply to your eye muscles.
Superior oblique muscle of eye ball is supplied by 4th Cranial nerve, Troclear
Lateral Rectus muscle of eye ball is supplied by 6th Cranial nerve, Abducents
Rest 4 muscles of eye ball are supplied by 3rd Cranial nerve, Occulomotor.

I agree with the doctor and you should go for further tests and the course of treatment will be defined by the eye doctor/neurologist.
Take care!

[ccbIII]

I just found a report that indicated statins could be the cause of the double vision. I have been taking Crestor for several weeks now. See article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5065C520090107?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews

Appreciate any thoughts with respect to this.

[caregiver222]

You need B-12 with folic acid supplements, which sometimes help.

I am surprised your physician did not recommend wearing a patch over one eye, which is the usual treatment.

Yes, you need an appointment with a neuro-opthamologist.

[ampky]

A change in the Rx is probably not the cause.  The results of your tests should help define the cause.  The Neurologist may also recommend a neuro-opthomologist for your double-vision.

Best wishes!