Double Vision After Car Accident: Can Eye Surgery Correct It?

Q: Double Vision After Car Accident: Can Eye Surgery Correct It?

Hello, Xifis： You should first consult with a plastic surgeon to determine if the orbital correction has been completed. <br>If it has not, you may need to consider further surgery. <br>If the reconstruction is complete, you can seek opinions from oculoplastic and neuro-ophthalmo

Double vision caused by a car accident?

I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a fracture of the orbital floor of my right eye, as well as a fracture of the right zygomatic bone and other fractures.
Later, I noticed that I started experiencing diplopia at certain angles, particularly when looking upward and to the right.
The issue is more pronounced on the right side, especially when I turn my head to look at cars, which appears unclear (likely due to the eye muscles).
Since treatment (reduction) was delayed, I had to undergo reconstructive surgery.
After the reconstruction, I noticed that the right orbital area does not seem to be symmetrical with the left side; the right side appears to be slightly higher (the eyeball as well).
Post-surgery, some angles have improved, but I now have mild diplopia when looking downward, and the situation on the right side seems unchanged.
I would like to ask the doctor about strabismus (diplopia) and the height discrepancy of the eyeball.
Can this be corrected with ophthalmic surgery in the future, or should I immediately return to see a plastic surgeon for further management? Thank you, doctor.

Xifeisi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/11

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Xifis: You should first consult with a plastic surgeon to determine if the orbital correction has been completed.
If it has not, you may need to consider further surgery.
If the reconstruction is complete, you can seek opinions from oculoplastic and neuro-ophthalmology specialists.
They can perform on-site measurements to explore possible surgical options.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is available: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only; it is essential to visit a medical facility for proper care.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2018/11/11

More Info

After a car accident, experiencing double vision (diplopia) can be a distressing and complex issue, particularly when it involves fractures around the eye socket and potential damage to the ocular muscles or nerves. In your case, it seems that the accident resulted in significant trauma, including fractures of the orbital floor and zygomatic bone, which can lead to misalignment of the eyes and subsequent visual disturbances.

Double vision can occur for various reasons following such injuries. The most common causes include:
1. Muscle Imbalance: The muscles that control eye movement may be affected by the trauma, leading to misalignment. This can result in diplopia, especially when looking in certain directions.

2. Orbital Fractures: Fractures can alter the position of the eye or restrict muscle movement, leading to difficulties in coordinating eye movements.

3. Nerve Damage: If the nerves that control eye movement are damaged, this can also lead to double vision.

4. Structural Changes: As you mentioned, the asymmetry between the two sides of the face and the position of the eyeball can contribute to visual problems.

Regarding your specific questions about whether eye surgery can correct the double vision and the asymmetry of the eyes, the answer is generally yes, but it depends on several factors:
- Type of Surgery: There are different surgical approaches to address double vision. Strabismus surgery can be performed to realign the eye muscles, which may help resolve diplopia. If the double vision is due to structural issues caused by the fractures, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore symmetry and function.

- Timing of Surgery: It is crucial to address these issues in a timely manner. If surgery is delayed, the muscles may adapt to the misalignment, making correction more challenging later on.

- Postoperative Rehabilitation: After surgery, some patients may require vision therapy or rehabilitation to help improve coordination between the eyes and reduce double vision.

- Consultation with Specialists: It is essential to work closely with both an ophthalmologist and a plastic surgeon (or oculoplastic surgeon) who specializes in orbital and eyelid surgery. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the best course of action based on your specific condition.

In your case, since you have already undergone reconstructive surgery and are still experiencing issues, it would be advisable to return to your ophthalmologist for a thorough evaluation. They can assess the current state of your eye alignment and vision and determine if further surgical intervention is necessary. Additionally, they may refer you to a specialist in strabismus or ocular motility for targeted treatment of the double vision.

In summary, while surgery can often correct double vision and improve eye alignment, the success of the procedure will depend on the underlying causes and the timing of the intervention. It is crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from eye care professionals to determine the best approach for your situation.

Similar Q&A

Post-Car Accident Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Vision Issues and Surgery Risks

I was involved in a car accident on June 17 of this year, which resulted in subarachnoid hemorrhage. It has been five months, but my vision has not improved. After being discharged, I have been attending follow-up appointments monthly and have undergone two visual field tests. Th...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: To apply for disability assistance, an assessment of vision or visual field is required. Please inquire at the organization where you wish to apply for disability assistance about the eligibility criteria and request the necessary documentation to be filled out by an ophth...

Understanding Orbital Fractures: Costs and Recovery After Surgery

I was involved in a car accident on July 11th of last year, which resulted in a depression of the left orbital cavity. Even now, I still experience double vision at certain angles. How much would the surgery cost? Will the double vision improve after the surgery?

Dr. Zhou Hongzhang reply Plastic Surgery
This question is difficult to answer. It is advisable to consult with a plastic surgeon at a medical center for a detailed examination. Most procedures may be covered by health insurance.

Vision Issues After Car Accident: Understanding Recovery and Treatment

After being sent to the emergency room following a car accident, I woke up in the intensive care unit with normal vision in both eyes. However, I fell into a coma again before being transferred to a regular ward, and I only woke up in the regular ward after an unknown amount of t...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Tsai: It is possible that there is damage to the optic nerve. The physician will provide appropriate treatment, and then it will depend on the nerve's ability to repair itself. The extent of recovery will depend on the severity of the injury.

Can Surgery Correct Exotropia Caused by Car Accident Injuries?

Recently, my son suffered from ptosis and exotropia in his right eye due to a car accident. The doctor mentioned that it was related to injury of the third and fourth cranial nerves. Can surgery still correct this condition?

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Surgery can correct a certain degree of function, but it may not achieve complete correction. Generally, the focus is on correcting the function when looking straight ahead.