vision

[Littlepopeye]

hi I woke up with double vision this morning is it a stage of ataxia, never had issues with my vision before but want to enquire if it’s partially ataxia. My wife told me to ask as we’re both unsure could someone please advise. Thank you

[wobblybee]

Hi 🙂

Yes…double vision is a common ..although not everybody experiences it. I’m diagnosed with Idiopathic Cerebellar Ataxia..and it was one of my first symptoms….plus Nystagmus.

Double vision can vary in intensity..and unfortunately it does interfere with balance. If it becomes constant..it is worth speaking to an Optician. I was referred to a NeuroOpthalmologist.

The first option is generally Prisms built into glasses. These can often be sufficient but sometimes other options are tried. I went on to have Occlusal Contact Lenses…and later a Botox injection into my eye muscle. Eventually I had Strabismus Surgery to tighten the eye muscle…this was successful in stopping double vision.

Nystagmus..is difficult to treat..although some people have found the medication 4-amino pyridine is helpful.

nhs.uk/conditions/double-vi...

mft.nhs.uk/app/uploads/site...

[Littlepopeye in reply to wobblybee]

Hi thank you for your reply, & links. I’ve given myself a day to see it it passes but unfortunately it hasn’t. My eyes feel heavy sometimes painful & feel I can only look at things at an angle hopefully it does pass….Anyway on a brighter side I wish EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. Have a great holiday & take day by day. 🎅🎅🎅🎁😃😀

[wobblybee in reply to Littlepopeye]

🙂Merry Christmas 🎄

[edfosho]

Yes, double vision (diplopia) is an ataxia symptom. I suggest requesting a referral to your local eye clinic or ophthalmology department - I had my annual checkup with them in London yesterday! They can keep an eye on it (no pun intended!) and suggest prism lenses for correction.

[Littlepopeye in reply to edfosho]

Hi thank you for your advice, But does the double vision last a few days or permanent. I can’t get appointment with my opticians due to holidays. Also yesterday I couldn’t talk I just couldn’t literally couldn’t talk & when my voice returned about 2-3hrs later I struggled with big words or continuous sentences. I apologise for the several questions but if you don’t ask I will never know. Appreciate your support thank you

[edfosho in reply to Littlepopeye]

For me, it is permanent and progressively gets worse over time. It can also get worse momentarily if I'm concentrating hard on something, or I'm rather fatigued due to exercise.

But, the impact will be different for everyone - which is why I suggest seeing the eye clinic. If you already see a neurologist, make sure you tell them. Otherwise seek a referral via your GP. Opticians can help, but again it'll likely be a referral via your GP. Sorry to hear about the holiday period getting in the way too!

It's frustrating having double vision, but there are ways to correct it and make it less of an issue in your everyday life.

[kid97]

Diplopia (double vision) is a common sympthom in many ataxias. Prisms lens (glasses) may help, please check with a neuroopthalmologist. Merry xmas!

[sonofapeter]

It was actually my first symptom. If you have a family history, like myself, of SCA 3, when it occurred for the first time, I knew. Best of luck to you and Merry Christmas.