Double Vision

[Duckbutt]

Back in the mid sixties when I was in my teens I lost virtually all vision in my right eye due to the development of a cataract, the cause of which was put down to trauma caused by getting knocked about playing rugby. At the time I was told that no treatment was possible and would have to live with it. For around 35 years I did so, adapting well with no problems with such things as driving and unless I told them, no one ever noticed.

Around eighteen months ago the beginning of a cataract developing in my left eye was detected during a routine eye test. During the resulting examination the consultant asked why I never had my right eye fixed. I told him that I had been told that nothing could be done and he said he could treat it although he could not predict the outcome. The resultant operation (in August 2002) restored a fairly good standard of vision to my right eye but my brain does not seem able to merge the two images (one from each eye) that it now receives, and I have double vision. By way of example when watching TV at a distance of say 4 metres, whilst both images are clear that from the right eye appears to be almost a metre to the left of that from my left eye. Under the guidance of the consultant I have experimented with Fresnel prisms which bring the two images together but up to now my brain has not made any attempt to fuse the images.

I appreciate that my posting this here may seem a little impertinent as I have nothing to do with aviation (other than a fascination) but as the problem is significantly affecting my quality of life for the worse I ask that you indulge me. I would be very grateful for any advice that anyone with appropriate knowledge could give me (posting here or by PM).

I am now 56 years old. The cataract in my left eye was successfully operated on just before Christmas and the vision in that eye is now as good as it ever was. I now wear an eye patch over my right eye when driving which restores my vision to the condition it was for 35 years (my insurance company has been informed but as I have driven approaching a million accident free miles in the last thirty odd years is quite relaxed about my situation). Under almost all other circumstances I try to live with the double vision in the hope that my brain sorts it out.

Thank you in anticipation

[FireDragon]

Try this forum:

http://med-aapos.bu.edu/PublicInfo/PublicInfomenu.html

Primarily a site for pediatric strabismus and associated problems, but plenty of adults post on there with their eye problems.

The sort of problem you describe regularly comes up on the above forum, this is the sort of thing, (vision fusion, etc..), that they specialise in. It is moderated/ 'staffed' by all sorts of eye specialists, from optometrists, through to specialised surgeons (plus the general public, who have these sorts of problems)

Note: Last time I visited, the open forum was offline, so if this is the case, don't give up, try again.

Best of luck FD

ps just checked, they now have a new member application program, plus an adult strabismus website. Go to here: http://med-aapos.bu.edu/

[Flyin'Dutch']

DB,

An interesting post.

It is generally accepted that if people have not acquired stereopsis by the age of 8 they will develop a lazy eye.

The interesting thing is that you obviously do not have a lazy eye as from your post it is clear that you can see well with either eye.

I tried to have a look at the forum to which the other guy linked but you need a password for this.

Not an ophthamologist myself but speaking to some at irregular intervals I will ask them next time I do and see if I can come up with an answer.

If you find out in the meantime, let us know.

FD