“SIGNIFICANT REGRESSION OF SURGICAL EFFECT.“ Those are words you don’t want to read/hear following any surgery. But, three months out from surgery to realign my eyes, that’s where I’m at with my vision.
During my second post-op check last week with my neuro ophthalmologist, Dr. Collin McClleland, I learned that my eyes apparently have a mind of their own. They are back to not working together. This came as no surprise. I’ve been experiencing ongoing double vision, although less than before my January 22 surgery.
What I didn’t expect was the word “significant.” I knew the possibility existed that my eyes would return to misalignment; I did my homework in advance of bilateral strabismus eye surgery. But who thinks they are going to be in the minority of that final surgical outcome? Not me.
Immediately after surgery, my eyes were in near perfect alignment. I was happy. My surgeon was happy. But then, as my eye muscles healed and my brain and eyes adjusted, the shift began.
Extensive testing during my recent appointment showed “significant regression.” I won’t confuse you with numbers and medical terminology. Suffice to say I’m frustrated and disappointed as is my surgeon. But, Dr. McClelland said, he wouldn’t have done anything differently during surgery. I needed it, and the surgery did improve alignment. I agree. Why my eyes reverted mostly back to their misaligned positions is unknown. I asked. There’s no answer.
I explained to my doctor that it takes effort sometimes to see just one, and not two. That exhausts me. And if I’m doing anything that requires a lot of visual back-and-forth, like shopping, my eyes feel like they’ve done calisthenics. They hurt. Whenever I have lots of sensory input or am doing multiple things, my double vision worsens. I was experiencing all of this before surgery, too.
What to do next was the question of the morning. My surgeon offered two choices: One, add more prisms to my glasses and hope that alleviates some of my double vision. Or try surgery again. I was mentally unprepared for this. But I quickly opted for more prisms. I am in no hurry to rush back into an operating room, even if the 1 ½-hour surgery was not horrible and I have full confidence in Dr. McClelland. Surgery is surgery.
So here I am, no line bifocal prism glasses ordered. The lenses will take about two weeks to make given the extensive work required. Then I’ll be without glasses while the lenses are placed in my frames. Then the test begins. Will the added prisms, divided between both lenses, help with my double vision? Time will tell. Prisms bend light before it travels to your eyes and the brain has to sort it all out and create a singular image, or something like that.
The issue, my ophthalmologist explained, is whether I can tolerate more prisms added to my prescription lenses. I could experience distortion, what he calls “the fish bowl effect.” The goal is “comfortable singular binocular vision.” If I can’t handle the added prisms (which are actually less than they should be, but within the hopefully tolerable range), then I will need to revisit surgery.
That’s where I’m at today. Waiting for those prism-heavy lenses. I’m trying to prepare myself for what I know will be several weeks of adjusting to my new prescription. And hoping this non-surgical approach works.
As disappointed and frustrated as I feel about the final surgical outcome, I remain grateful for the vision I do have, even if far from perfect. Sitting in the waiting room at M Health Fairview Eye Clinic in Minneapolis puts my situation in perspective. I have watched little kids there navigating with the aid of a white cane…
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Oh yes I’m so glad you got that message from Lil white-caners🌷 my son is one of those. He doesn’t even think he’s blind
I’ve got some vision issues as well, and am constantly reminded to be grateful. Tuff tender mercies new every morning😍
Am sure it’ll all turn out good. Yea, “perspective”
Thank you for an amazing read.
I love that your son doesn’t even think he’s blind. And you, you, have such a good attitude. Yes, His tender mercies are new EVERY morning. 🙂
Amazing after all you’ve endured in trying to recover now you were going to be going through another phase. It sounds like you have amazing people supporting you. I wish you the best in this process and I’m sorry that this is continuing On this arduous journey back. Even after all of this, I hear gratitude within your last lines of your post, for those who may have it even worse and that is who you are.
Thank you, Beth. I do have wonderful support. Putting things in perspective helps.
praying the added prisms do the trick . Eyesight is something that would be difficult to let go so prayers going up for a really positive result without further surgery.
I appreciate your specific prayers, Beth Ann.
Sending prayers, Dear Friend. ❤ ❤ ❤
Thank you, dear Penny.
We know (or should) that any surgery involves some risk – both during and after. Still, I was saddened to learn that you’re “in the minority of that final surgical outcome.” 😥 It seems extra disheartening that your eyesight was near perfect just after the surgery but has regressed since. It’s like you were given a wonderful new toy that was then snatched away from you. I do hope the prisms work for you – or, at least, can reduce your eyeball’s “calisthenics.” 😊
I like your new toy snatched away comparison. That made me smile. The bottom line is that I can SEE, even if it’s sometimes seeing double. I’m hoping for a good outcome with the prisms.
I’m sorry to hear of this setback Audrey. It’s so disappointing.
It is disappointing, Valerie. But onward to the next option.
I’m am so sorry for your disappointment.You look so happy with the flowers, Audrey.
I fervently wish you had a better result.
Flowers always make me happy. Thank you, Ruth, for your kind words. I hope you are doing better. Or soon.
Soon.
🙂
I am so sorry to hear the surgery did not work out as desired. Let’s hope your new glasses with more prisms will help. Thinking of you.
Thank you, Colleen. I, too, hope the added prisms work.
Oh my this is not the news you wanted to hear!!. May strength and prayers carry you through this new development. And here’s hoping a non surgical route will improve your vision.
I just got a call that my new prism lenses are ready. So now I drop off my frame and wait. By this time next week, I’ll probably be wearing my new prescription. Thank you for your care, Sue.
I’m so sorry. What a frustrating and upsetting outcome. I will hope the non-surgical solution is successful as well. Sending good wishes.
Thank you, Michelle. I appreciate your encouraging comment.
I’m very sorry to learn of the setback in your recovery of normal vision. I hope that everything works out well going forward.
Charles Ziegler
Thank you, Charles. What a caring community of readers I have.
I am so sorry that you are going through this, I know it is disappointing. I am and will be praying for you. Lovely flowers you were holding.
I appreciate your supportive words and your prayers, Judy.
Hopefully the added prisms will help. Another surgery is not an ideal option.
With two surgeries already done on my eye muscles (the first at age four), I am in no hurry to make that three. I’ll get my new prescription soon, earlier than expected, so then the adapting begins. Hoping the prisms are tolerable and help. They will not be at the full strength I really need, but what my doctor thinks I can maybe tolerate.
Continuing to WISH YOU THE BEST ((((((fingers crossed, prayers, love, and hugs))))))! Take care
Awww, thank you, Renee, for your caring words and for your prayers.
I will never again complain the wrong font was used for the slides on the balcony back wall screen, a whole big church away from the choir down front. Congregation uses the big screens in front. In this highly visual time, we’re all little cartoon images moving on 3D web site designs. Some are starting to use Ipads vs. printed music in folders. I’ve heard comments about how digital improves distortion from multiple paper types. Can’t be anything compared to how you’re trying to function. I am so grateful. The prisms MUST WORK!! Super prayers to you and your caregivers.
Awww, thank you, Sandra. Fortunately, I don’t see double ALL the time, but often enough that it’s bothersome. It does feel like, though, that my brain is always working hard to just see one of everything. My new glasses should be ready soon. Then the adjustment beings. I appreciate your care, concern and prayers. Thank you! I’ll continue using the hymnal rather than the screen.