Can see better if I cover one eye.

[maritravel]

I'm new here.

I had my first injection of Lucentis 3 weeks ago, next one due in ten days time, but although I think the sight in my eye has improved my two eyes do not work together. I have constant double vision and shadowing but if I cover either eye and look only through the other, I can see much better than I can by using the two -together - one good(ish) and the one with the macular problem. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Ayayay80]

Hi maritravel

May I ask if you noticed the double vision before your first injection? The after-effects of the injection should no longer be noticable after 3 weeks. I have double vision in one eye only (mono-ocular double vison) and it is the eye with dry AMD and cataract, not the one that has been treated. There are a number of reasons why double vision may occur and not necessarily connected with AMD.

Many, many years ago I had a bout of severe double vision when I had to keep covering one eye up to know for instance which of the two curbs I saw was the right one to step on. It was disorientating and I did not want to look at anything. This was long before my AMD. No intervention or medication was offered. It lasted for well over 2 months when my vision gradually went back to normal.

Mention it to your consultant. He may have an explanation, although when I mentioned my present mono-ocular double vision to my consultant he looked at me rather blank and did not seem to know what I was talking about. Good Luck x

[maritravel in reply to Ayayay80]

Thank you for that information. On May 19th, I had just been given the all--clear after having a Lasek (or was it Lasik) procedure for calcium deposits on the eye that recently developed the macular problem. Now that was really bad luck as the procedure wasn't pleasant, nor the after effects for 3 weeks, plus it couldn't be done at a hospital in my area so it meant me travelling on five occasions to another hospital (only a day for the procedure but the follow-ups had to be done there too).

The other eye also has calcium deposits and was due to be done in October but I have cancelled that as I don't want to have both eyes 'out-of-action' as it were. I want to wait for positive results from these injections.

Meantime, it could be that it is the calcium that is causing the double vision. I shall ask when next I have a chance. Thanks for your input. It is really helpful to have the opinions of someone else.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear maritravel,

There are various reasons for double vision. They are not usually directly related to macular degeneration. It may be advisable to ring your ophthalmologist via their secretary and report this and see what they suggest.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

Macular Society helpline

[Jimford]

I have wet AMD in my strongest eye and get slight double vision. I think it's because with 'normal' eyesight the two images are combined by the brain, in order to get stereoscopic vision which enables us to determine depth. If one eye produces a distorted image (in my case wavy verticals and oval circles) the brain can't combine the images properly - and double vision results.

I find that this is mainly a problem at close range eg. putting toothpaste on a brush. Also, when reading a long string of numerals, I often need to close my 'gammy' eye, otherwise I tend to see double characters.

Jim

[maritravel]

I have calcium deposits on the other eye which may be causing the problem. Actually, I had them on the eye which now has AMD but I had a Lasek procedure to remove these in March last which was successful and I thought my problems were over but then AMD struck. I had an appointment to have the calcium deposits removed from my other eye in September but I've cancelled that as I am fearful of having both eyes out of action. However, I am aware that the 'good' eye seems to be deteriorating.

[Blindbasset]

Yes this was the case with me until my 3rd injection. Then I began to see clearly. Hang in there. My guess is it will improve. Please keep us posted.