double vision

[uk18]

On April 9 of this year I had cataract surgery  on my left eye, the intention was monovision and this first surgery was to be for distance  The next day when the bandage was removed my eye was extremely red and swollen with bruising on my check and I had double vision.  Although my eye surgeon assured me that the double vision and other symptoms would resolve in time. He said that if they didn't I could have surgery to correct the problem. Alas, this never happened.  This past week he has retracted his prognosis, says he has never had a case like mine and there is nothing he can do. He suggests that I "live with it".  In addition he referred me to a strabismus surgeon who told me he also had never seen a case like mine, horizontal diplopia, and cannot correct it.  A referral to a rentinal specialist determined my retina is okay.  Two other cataract specialists I consulted as second and third opinions told me they thought the needle injection I received at the time of my surgery was responsible.

In addition to the double vision when I look to the left or down I also have a dark line, an arc if you will, on the left periphery of my left eye, also my eye glitters annoyingly all the time, feels as though I have a tear in it and it aches after doing very much close up work.

I am at a loss as to what to do, apparently I am the only one in the world to have had this happen?  Where can I go for help?

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

Use the search feature and search double vision after cataract surgery. We have had multiple discussions. I have published 4 research papers on the subject and they are all fully referenced.

See another strabismus specialist.

JCH MD

[JodieJ]

No, you are certainly not the only one in the world to have these problems.  Are you in the USA (or does your screen name indicate your location?)  Your double vision is probably the result of the needle injection injuring an eye muscle.  I'd suggest that you see another strabismus surgeon about correcting this problem.  Possibly prism glasses would work.  (I had horizontal diplopia unrelated to cataract surgery, and my problem was corrected with surgery.  I don't understand why nothing can be done in your case.)  

Possibly the annoying glitter and dark line you're seeing will disappear over the next couple of months.  If not, you might consider consulting a cataract surgeon who is experienced at explanting and replacing IOLs.