The dragged-fovea diplopia syndrome: clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment

An Update on Dragged-Fovea Diplopia Syndrome

Dragged-fovea diplopia syndrome (DFDS) is a type of binocular double vision caused by a displacement of the fovea in one or both eyes due to retinal disorders including epiretinal membranes or other maculopathies. DFDS induces diplopia through a mismatch between peripheral motor fusion and central (foveal) fusion. It can be diagnosed by utilizing the Lights on - Lights off test. While there is no cure, there are treatments for DFDS including monocular occlusion or blurring (tape, lenses, IOL), Bangerter filter, and Fresnel prisms. While this syndrome has been identified in the literature by multiple names including central-peripheral Rivalry (CPR)-type diplopia, macular diplopia, and foveal displacement syndrome, this article works to summarize the current known characteristics, diagnostic tests, and treatment for this syndrome.

Characteristics and type of strabismus associated to macular diplopia. Treatment outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical characteristics of macular diplopia, treatment, and outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective descriptive study of cases referred to the ocular motility section of a tertiary hospital with diplopia, diagnosed with macular diplopia between 2022-23. The etiology of the macular pathology and the type of associated strabismus were recorded. The result was considered good if the diplopia improved or was eliminated with the medical or surgical treatment. Follow-up time from the onset of diplopia until data collection was recorded.

RESULTS

a total of 19 cases comprised the sample (63.2% women), mean age: 67.16 years. Amblyopia (21.1%), high myopia (47.4%), epirretinal membrane (ERM) (36.8%), neovascular membrane (26.3%), macular hole (10.5%), and lamellar (15.8%), and age macular degeneration (5.3%) were registered. The 47.4% had vertical diplopia, horizontal: 5.3 and 47.4% mixed. The mean horizontal deviation was: 7.3 PD (prism diopters) and vertical: 6.22 PD. Ocular extorsion was observed in 26.3%, and intorsion: 5.3%. Torticollis was present in 15.8%. The treatment consisted of strabismus surgery + Botox (15.8%), strabismus surgery (47.4%), medical treatment with Fresnel prims or Scotch cellophane (36.8%). A 68.4% presented a good result at the end of the study. The mean follow-up was 55.58 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Misregistration of macular photoreceptors is the most common cause of binocular diplopia in patients with ERM or other macular pathologies. Most complains of vertical or mixed diplopia. Sensorimotor evaluation of these patients should be thorough. Early diagnosis prevents unnecessary prescription of prism glasses. Surgical and/or medical treatment achieves good results in most cases.

Successful treatment of diplopia using prism correction combined with vision therapy/orthoptics improves health-related quality of life

Background

To track improvement in diplopia symptoms with strabismus-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaire across a treatment consisting of prism correction followed by vision therapy/orthoptics when prism treatment alone has not succeeded.

Methods

Forty-eight participants with diplopia and a mean age of 62.45 were asked to complete an Adult Strabismus-20 (AS-20) questionnaire and a Diplopia Questionnaire (DQ) before and after prism correction. Inclusion criteria were diplopia reported on the DQ as "sometimes", "often" or "always" at reading or straight-ahead distance. The prism correction was classified as successful if the participant reported "never" or "rarely" on the DQ for reading and straight-ahead distance; and unsuccessful if the perceived diplopia worsened or remained the same. For all participants, mean initial AS-20 scores were compared with mean post-prism correction scores, taking into account AS-20 subscales (reading and general functions, and self-perception and interaction). Participants in the failed prism treatment subgroup subsequently underwent a programme of vision therapy wearing their prism correction, the results of which were again determined by participants' responses on the AS-20 questionnaire, completed before and after the vision therapy.

Results

Five of the 48 participants dropped out of the study. Prism correction was classified as successful in 22 of 43 participants (51%), and unsuccessful in 21 (49%). Those participants for whom the prism correction was classified as a success showed a statistically significant improvement (p = 0.01) in both reading and general functions. In the failed treatment subgroup, no significant change in AS-20 score was recorded for any of the domains (p = 0.1). After treatment with vision therapy/orthoptics, however, 13 of the 20 participants in the unsuccessful prism correction subgroup (one of them dropped out the study) achieved binocular vision and statistically significant improvement in reading and general functions (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Although effective prism correction of diplopia is correlated with enhanced HRQOL, prism correction alone is frequently not sufficient to achieve this objective. In these cases, vision therapy/orthoptics treatment as a coadjutant to prism correction is shown to improve HRQOL.

Binocular visual function improvement after pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane

PURPOSE

To report binocular visual function changes after pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane (ERM) and the related outcomes.

METHODS

Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients operated on for ERM were included in a retrospective study. Clinical data, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity and binocular visual function were assessed pre- and 1 and 3 months post-operatively. Binocular visual function assessment included the evaluation of fusional amplitudes (i.e., vergences) by the synoptophore, far distance stereopsis using polarized glasses and near stereopsis using Randot and TNO tests. Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured on Spectral Domain - Optical Coherence Tomography.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 67 years. Mean BCVA and contrast sensitivity significantly improved post-operatively at one (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0022, respectively) and 3 months (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively), while CMT significantly decreased after 1-3 months (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Fusional amplitudes improved after 3 months (p < 0.0001). Far distance and near stereopsis significantly improved after 3 months (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0007 for Randot test, and p < 0.0001 for TNO test, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Pars plana vitrectomy for ERM surgery leads to an improvement of monocular and binocular visual functions (i.e., binocular fusion, near and far distance stereopsis), within 3 months post-operatively.

Supraequatorial displacement with lateral rectus myopexy for treatment of myopic sagging/heavy eye

PURPOSE

To describe the outcome of the patients diagnosed of sagging/heavy eye associated to myopia, that were operated on with the supra-equatorial displacement with LR myopexy.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 9 cases between 2017-2023. The following data were analyzed: horizontal and vertical deviation, diplopia, amblyopia, ductions, ocular torsion, sensorial test, macular pathology, and the orbital magnetic resonance. Treatment was considered Successful if the diplopia was improved or eliminated and a final vertical deviation (VD) ≤5 prism diopters (PD).

RESULTS

The mean age (SD) was: 62.11 (4.6) years (100% women). A total of 88.88% presented diplopia. The mean preoperative hypotropia was: 11.33 PD (SD 3.16), and the mean final VD 3.44 PD (SD 3.05). After surgery, the hypotropia was overcorrected in one case, under corrected in 5, and orthophoria was achieved in another three. The technique was associated with surgery of another rectus muscle in 4 subjects. The mean follow-up time after surgery was 34 months (SD 34.62). Six of the 9 patients improved with a vertical deviation ≤5 PD. In 3 patients, the diplopia was eliminated, while in 5 it remained intermittent (three with macular pathology).

CONCLUSION

Supra-equatorial displacement with LR myopexy for treatment of myopic sagging/heavy eye, is a therapeutic option if hypotropia is less than 12 PD or the Yokoyama technique is not indicated. A good result was obtained in most cases, although diplopia could only be totally suppressed in three, and another five remained intermittent.

Retinal misregistration and effect of surgery on its improvement in patients with epiretinal membrane

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence of retinal misregistration, that is, misalignment of retinal elements that affect central and peripheral fusion, and the effect of surgery in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM).

METHODS

This prospective interventional case-series was performed on 32 patients with symptomatic ERM with the complaint of binocular diplopia or decreased visual acuity. After the diagnosis of ERM, optotype frame, synoptophore, and lights on-off tests were used to evaluate retinal misregistration. Patients with severe symptoms underwent surgery and were followed for 3 months.

RESULTS

Of the 32 patients, 6 (19%) had preoperative diplopia. Optotype frame, synoptophore, and lights on-off tests had positive results in 20 (63%), 19 (63%), and 11 (34%) cases, respectively. Of the 6 diplopia cases, 5 showed positive results in all 3 tests and 1 was positive on optotype frame and synoptophore testing. Of the 26 cases without diplopia, 15 (58%) showed positive results in at least one test, including 6 (23%) in all three tests, 6 (23%) in two tests, and 3 (12%) in only one test. Ten patients underwent surgery. Postoperatively, all patients had negative lights on-off test, but optotype frame and synoptophore tests were negative in eight patients (80%). Two cases (20%) had postoperative diplopia, including 1 case with postoperative new-onset diplopia.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of retinal misregistration was higher than the rate of diplopia. Surgery improved diplopia and results of tests of retinal misregistration.

[Disorders of the visual system following vitreoretinal and macular surgery]

The visual system is highly complex. Monocular or binocular disorders can develop, for example during tractive alterations of the macula, such as in epimacular membranes, and result in symptoms, such as double vision, aniseikonia or metamorphopsia. These symptoms are also observed following vitreomacular or vitreoretinal surgery, especially after treatment of large retinal detachment involving the macular area using pars plana vitrectomy or scleral buckle surgery but also as a result of vitreomacular interventions, such as membrane peeling in epimacular gliosis. Some patients have preoperatively existing latent conditions, which are not explicitly addressed during routine preoperative diagnostics. For patients and surgeons it is worth noting that these troublesome symptoms are often manifested in patients with good restoration of best corrected visual acuity following vitreomacular surgery. In such cases, patients tend to be dissatisfied with the surgical result despite good visual acuity. Treatment of postoperative metamorphopsia, aniseikonia and double vision is often difficult. In clinical studies, the maximum depth of tractive retinal folds has been described as a reliable morphological biomarker for the occurrence of metamorphopsia in epimacular gliosis. As metamorphopsia tends to postoperatively resolve slowly and even persist in ca. 30% of cases, this biomarker can have an impact on preoperative consulting and postoperative monitoring. Persistent binocular discomfort is often treatable by exact refraction correction and by applying a vertical and, if necessary, a horizontal prism. This often requires patience on the part of both the patient and the physician but is mostly successful due to fusion and adaptability.

Binocular Interference vs Diplopia in Patients With Epiretinal Membrane

Importance

Patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) sometimes close 1 eye for improved vision, but associations have not been rigorously studied.

Objective

To evaluate associations with monocular eye closure in patients with ERM, and to report binocular interference (closing 1 eye to improve visual quality).

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective medical record review of an adult strabismus clinic at a tertiary referral center. Patients with ERM referred from retina clinicians between June 2010 and October 2019 who completed the Adult Strabismus (AS)-20 questionnaire, including the question: "I cover or close one eye to see things better." Two groups were identified: (1) patients reporting eye closure sometimes or more, and (2) patients reporting no eye closure (as control patients).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Frequencies of (1) central-peripheral rivalry (CPR)-type diplopia (dragged fovea diplopia); (2) binocular interference (monocular eye closure but no diplopia or strabismus); and (3) other, associated with monocular eye closure. Visual acuity, metamorphopsia, aniseikonia, and AS-20 quality of life domain scores (self-perception, interactions, reading function, and general function) compared between binocular interference, CPR-type diplopia, and control patients.

Results

A total of 124 patients with ERM (58 of 124 were women [47%]; mean [SD] age, 70 [9] years) reported monocular eye closure. Associations were binocular interference in 36 (29%; 95% CI, 21%-38%), CPR-type diplopia in 34 (27%; 95% CI, 20%-36%), and other (primarily strabismus) in 54 (44%). Compared with control patients with ERM (n = 11), patients with ERM and binocular interference had worse quality of life on AS-20 reading function (95 vs 62; mean difference, 22 points; 95% CI, 7-27 points; P = .007) and general function (89 vs 68; mean difference, 23 points; 95% CI, 13-34 points; P = .01) domains. Compared with CPR-type diplopia, patients with binocular interference had poorer worst-eye visual acuity (median 0.50 vs 0.30 logMAR [20/63 vs 20/40]; mean difference, 0.13 logMAR; 95% CI, 0.00-0.25 logMAR [20/20 to 20/35]; P = .03), and a larger interocular difference (0.46 vs 0.19 logMAR [20/58 vs 20/30]; mean difference, 0.15 logMAR; 95% CI, 0.03-0.28 logMAR [20/21 to 20/38]; P = .004).

Conclusions and Relevance

Study findings suggest that binocular interference, manifesting as monocular eye closure (without diplopia or strabismus), is a distinct entity affecting quality of life in patients with epiretinal membrane.

Grey Filter Contact Lens as Therapeutic Option for Acquired Reduced Binocular Visual Performance

Disturbing binocular problems can be too complex to be treated in such a way that comfortable binocular single vision is restored. The grey filter contact lens could offer a safe and clinically useful way to help these patients.

Binocular Triplopia Due to Decompensated Congenital Superior Oblique Paresis in A Patient with Marfan Syndrome; A Case Report and Review of Literature

Binocular triplopia is a rare symptom and usually has a corneal or lenticular origin. Uniocular diplopia arising from ectopia lentis is quite common in Marfan syndrome. A visual phenomenon related to binocular triplopia due to strabismus was first reported in 1943 by Burian. Both monocular diplopia and binocular triplopia have been reported in concomitant strabismus. Strabismus is also common in Marfan syndrome but congenital superior oblique paresis has never been reported before. We report herein a rare case of binocular triplopia in a patient with Marfan syndrome arising from decompensation of his coexistent congenital superior oblique paresis triggered by his uniocular diplopia. This is the first report of congenital superior oblique paresis in a patient with Marfan syndrome. Though it is unlikely to have any etiological implications and is likely to be a mere coincidental simultaneous occurrence, it had a confounding effect on the clinical interpretation of the signs and symptoms posing an interesting diagnostic and management dilemma. Our case report emphasizes the necessity for careful evaluation of any patient with symptoms of triplopia. We further review and summarize all the causes of binocular triplopia published in English literature and propose an approach to its evaluation and management.

Treatment for Central-Peripheral Rivalry-Type Diplopia ("Dragged-Fovea Diplopia Syndrome")

PURPOSE

To report the effectiveness of treatments for central-peripheral rivalry (CPR)-type diplopia due to retinal misregistration.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

METHODS

Fifty adults with retinal misregistration and CPR-type diplopia (minimum frequency of "sometimes" at distance and/or for reading) caused by epiretinal membrane (n = 44) or other retinal disorders (n = 6) were enrolled in this study, conducted at adult strabismus clinics, Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, a tertiary medical center. Treatments included Bangerter filter, adhesive tape, Fresnel prism, clear prism (incorporated into glasses or loose prism in the office), iseikonic manipulation (using iseikonic lenses or contact lenses), a MIN lens, or epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling (alone or in any combination). Not all patients underwent all of these treatments.

RESULTS

Main outcome measurements were diplopia frequency, evaluated using the Diplopia Questionnaire. Success was defined as "never" or "rarely" diplopic for distance and reading, using the Diplopia Questionnaire, at an outcome examination as close as possible to 6 months. Overall, 17 of 50 patients (34%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 21%-49%) were classified as successful. Fresnel prism was successful in 4 of 7 patients (57%; 95% CI, 18%-90%); Bangerter filter in 4 of 28 patients (14%; 95% CI, 4%-33%); ERM peeling in 8 of 18 patients (44%; 95% CI, 22%-69%); and iseikonic manipulation in 1 of 23 patients (using a contact lens; 4%; 95% CI, 0%-22%).

CONCLUSIONS

CPR-type diplopia may be relieved in some patients using nonsurgical treatment options consisting of Fresnel prism or Bangerter filter. ERM peeling was surprisingly successful and should be considered.

Prevalence and Associations of Central-Peripheral Rivalry-Type Diplopia in Patients With Epiretinal Membrane

Importance

The prevalence and clinical associations of patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) who develop central-peripheral rivalry (CPR)–type diplopia are unknown.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of CPR-type diplopia in retinal disease clinic patients with ERM and to determine clinical findings associated with CPR-type diplopia.

Design, Setting and Participants

A prospective cross-sectional study of 31 patients with ERM from retinal disease clinics to determine the prevalence of CPR-type diplopia. A retrospective case cohort of 25 additional patients with ERM, selected from adult strabismus clinics, was added (total = 56) to determine clinical associations with CPR-type diplopia. All data were collected between June 2014 and November 2016; prospective cohort data were collected from June 2016 to November 2016.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The presence of diplopia was determined by patient history and diplopia questionnaire responses. Visual acuity and ocular alignment were recorded. Metamorphopsia was documented qualitatively by evaluation of the door frame and Amsler grid and measured quantitatively using M-charts and D-charts. Aniseikonia was determined by subjective description and results of the Awaya new aniseikonia test. Retinal misregistration testing consisted of optotype-frame test and synoptophore; CPR-type diplopia was defined as diplopia associated with evidence of retinal misregistration when other causes did not fully explain diplopia. Outcomes were as follows: prevalence of CPR-type diplopia in patients with ERM seen in retinal disease clinics, and whether or not clinical findings differed between patients with ERM and CPR-type diplopia vs patients with ERM without CPR-type diplopia.

Results

Of the 31 patients with ERM seen in retinal disease clinics, 16 were women and 15 were men; the mean (SD) age was 69 (10) years. The prevalence of any diplopia was 23% (7 of 31; 95% CI, 10% to 41%), with CPR-type diplopia present in 16% (5 of 31; 95% CI, 5% to 34%). For analysis of associations, 12 of 56 patients (21%) had CPR-type diplopia and 37 (66%) had no diplopia. Seven of the 56 patients were excluded for other types of diplopia. Patients with CPR-type diplopia had better worse-eye visual acuity (mean difference, −0.23; 95% CI, −0.37 to −0.09 logMAR, P = .003), and more severe quantitative metamorphopsia (mean M-score difference 0.6; 95% CI, 0.05 to 1.1, P = .01) than patients without diplopia, but similar aniseikonia (Awaya new aniseikonia test; mean difference 0.6%; 95% CI, −2.9% to 4.0%, P = .33) and similar evidence of retinal misregistration (100% vs 73%; P = .09) by any test.

Conclusions and Relevance

Our findings suggest that CPR-type diplopia is not uncommon in patients with ERM. On average, patients with CPR-type diplopia have better visual acuity and more metamorphopsia than those without CPR-type diplopia, but there is considerable individual variability. Aniseikonia and retinal misregistration are similar between patients with ERM associated with CPR-type diplopia and those without CPR-type diplopia. Retinal misregistration with coexistent metamorphopsia appears necessary but is not sufficient for CPR-type diplopia.

IOL-Induced Extreme Blur to Alleviate Intractable Diplopia Secondary to Dragged-Fovea Diplopia Syndrome

A 73-year-old male presented with one year of intractable binocular diplopia and metamorphopsia in the right eye. He was unable to maintain fusion with prismatic correction, refused cosmetically noticeable forms of occlusion, and was not an occlusive contact lens candidate due to chronic neuropathy affecting his hands. The patient underwent cataract surgery with placement of a high plus intraocular lens to induce extreme blur. The uncomplicated procedure was successful in eliminating his diplopia. Cataract extraction with a high minus refractive target is an option for treating intractable diplopia associated with dragged-fovea diplopia syndrome.

New Onset vs Resolution of Central-Peripheral Rivalry-Type Diplopia in Patients Undergoing Epiretinal Membrane Peeling

Importance

The peeling of an epiretinal membrane (ERM) is commonly performed for poor visual acuity and/or metamorphopsia, but to our knowledge, its influence on central-peripheral rivalry (CPR)-type diplopia has not been rigorously studied.

Objective

To evaluate the occurrence of either resolution or new-onset CPR-type diplopia in patients undergoing ERM peeling.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study was conducted from July 2014 to April 2018 at a tertiary referral medical center and included 33 adults with ERM who were undergoing peeling surgery with planned preoperative to postoperative analysis.

Interventions

A standardized diplopia questionnaire completed before undergoing and 6 months following ERM peeling.

Main Outcomes and Measures

For patients with CPR-type diplopia before ERM peeling (rated "sometimes" or more for distance straight ahead or reading using the diplopia questionnaire), we calculated the proportion with resolution of diplopia postpeel ("never" for distance straight ahead and reading on the diplopia questionnaire) and compared clinical characteristics between those with resolution and those without. For patients with no diplopia prepeeling ("never" for distance straight ahead and reading on the diplopia questionnaire), we calculated the proportion with new-onset CPR-type diplopia postoperatively and compared clinical characteristics between those with new-onset diplopia and those who remained without diplopia.

Results

Of 33 patients (median age, 67 years [range, 51-87 years]; 18 men [55%]), 12 (36%) had CPR-type diplopia preoperatively and 21 (64%) did not have diplopia preoperatively. Six months postoperatively, 4 of 12 patients with diplopia (33%; 95% CI, 10%-65%) had resolution of diplopia, and 4 of 21 patients without diplopia (19%; 95% CI, 5%-42%) had new-onset diplopia. Better postoperative operated-eye visual acuity appeared somewhat associated with new-onset diplopia postoperatively (mean [SD] visual acuity, 0.08 [0.10] logMAR; approximately 20/25 vs 0.34 [0.33] logMAR; approximately 20/40; difference, -0.27; 95% CI, -0.62 to 0.09; P = .07), as did greater postoperative aniseikonia (14% [5%] vs 6% [4%]; difference, 8%; 95% CI, 2%-13%; P = .04).

Conclusions and Relevance

These data suggest that epiretinal membrane peeling may result in resolution of diplopia in some patients but new-onset diplopia in others. These findings may be valuable when counseling patients regarding the risks of new-onset diplopia.

Persistent Diplopia in Primary Position after Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Encircling Band in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence of persistent diplopia in primary position after encircling band procedures with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and to report the outcomes.

DESIGN

Observational, retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred sixteen patients who underwent successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) at our center from 2009 through 2014.

METHODS

We studied all patients with RRD who underwent successful PPV with an encircling band. Patients reporting diplopia more than 2 months after retinal surgery were identified and evaluated by our strabismus colleagues.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome measures included near and far deviation in prism diopters, degree of anisometropia, and visual acuity.

RESULTS

Six of 116 patients reported persistent diplopia in primary position (5.2%). The diplopia most often was related to vertical microdeviations from 3 to 5 prism diopters, and it was managed adequately with prisms. The deviation remained unchanged during the follow-up, except in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent diplopia associated to PPV with an encircling band has a low incidence and a small angle of deviation, and in our cases, it could be corrected successfully with prisms.

Diplopia after Strabismus Surgery

Diplopia is a disappointing and, at times, unanticipated consequence of what might otherwise be considered anatomically successful strabismus surgery. In this study, we review the existing literature regarding diplopia after strabismus surgery in the context of the senior author's experience. We divide postoperative diplopia types into cases that occur in the setting of normal binocular vision (or "normal" suppression) vs. cases that are the consequence of rare or anomalous sensorial adaptations. We then discuss how to identify patients at greatest risk based on history and preoperative testing, and we offer strategies for managing these sometimes-challenging cases.

Causes of Diplopia in Patients With Epiretinal Membranes

PURPOSE

To describe the causes of diplopia in patients with an epiretinal membrane (ERM) and presenting diplopia.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

METHODS

We reviewed patients diagnosed with an ERM, who had been seen by both retinal and strabismus specialists in a tertiary medical center. Data recorded: orthoptic evaluation, retinal misregistration (optotype-frame test, and synoptophore central peripheral superimposition slides at 5 and 10 degrees), and cause of any diplopia (retinal misregistration vs strabismus vs optical/refractive error). We defined central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia as presenting symptomatic diplopia with evidence of retinal misregistration, and where other causes did not fully explain diplopia. The frequency of each cause of diplopia in patients with ERM was determined.

RESULTS

Of 50 patients with ERM, 25 had symptomatic diplopia and 25 had no diplopia. Eleven of 25 diplopic patients (44%) had retinal misregistration as the sole cause (central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia), 7 (28%) strabismus (1 of 7 initally appeared to have central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia), 1 (4%) optical/refractive error (monocular diplopia), 2 (8%) mixed retinal misregistration (central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia) and strabismus, and for 4 (16%) diplopia cause was indeterminate. Unexpectedly, 15 of 25 patients without diplopia (60%) had evidence of retinal misregistration.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ERM and presenting diplopia may have 1 of several causes of diplopia, most commonly retinal misregistration (central-peripheral rivalry-type diplopia). Nevertheless, diplopic patients with retinal misregistration may also have treatable strabismus or optical/refractive error as the primary barrier to single vision and therefore many potential barriers to single vision should be considered.

Diplopia in Medically and Surgically Treated Patients with Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To report the prevalence, type, and cause of diplopia in medically and surgically treated patients with glaucoma.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 195 adult patients with glaucoma treated in a glaucoma referral practice.

METHODS

A total of 195 adult patients with glaucoma who had undergone surgical or medical management were prospectively enrolled. Forty-seven patients had undergone glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery (Baerveldt 350, Baerveldt 250 [Abbott Medical Optics, Abbott Park, IL], or Ahmed FP7 [New World Medical Inc, Rancho Cucamonga, CA]), 61 patients had undergone trabeculectomy, and 87 patients were medically treated. All patients completed the Diplopia Questionnaire to assess diplopia. We defined the presence of diplopia as "sometimes," "often," or "always" in distance straight ahead or reading positions on the Diplopia Questionnaire. A chart review was performed jointly by a strabismus specialist and a glaucoma subspecialist to characterize the type and cause of the diplopia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Frequency, type, and cause of diplopia.

RESULTS

Diplopia was reported in 41 of 195 medically and surgically treated patients (21%) with glaucoma. Binocular diplopia due to the glaucoma procedure was present in 11 of 47 patients (23%) after GDD (95% confidence interval, 12-38), which was significantly greater than in patients after trabeculectomy (2/61 [3%]; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-11; P = 0.002). The most common type of strabismus associated with binocular diplopia due to glaucoma surgery was hypertropia (10/11 GDD cases, 2/2 trabeculectomy cases). Monocular diplopia was found in a similar proportion of medically treated, post-trabeculectomy, and post-GDD cases (4/87 [5%], 4/61 [7%], and 2/47 [4%], respectively). Binocular diplopia not due to surgery was found in similar proportions of GDD, trabeculectomy, and medically treated cases (3/47 [6%], 5/61 [8%], and 10/87 [11%], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Diplopia may be under-recognized in medically and surgically treated patients with glaucoma, and standardization of ascertaining patient symptoms using the Diplopia Questionnaire may be useful in these patients. Diplopia was more commonly seen after GDD than trabeculectomy, typically a noncomitant restrictive hypertropia. The prevalence of monocular diplopia and binocular diplopia unrelated to glaucoma surgery was similar among medical and surgical groups. It is important to counsel patients on the higher occurrence of diplopia associated with GDD surgery.

Target Properties Effects on Central versus Peripheral Vertical Fusion Interaction Tested on a 3D Platform

PURPOSE

We investigated the impact of target properties on vertical fusion amplitude (VFA) using a 3D display platform; the performance of the subjects allowed us to assess how central and peripheral retina regions interact during the fusion process.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fourteen subjects were involved in the test. VFA was recorded by varying the viewing distance, target complexity, disparity velocity, lighting condition and background luminance. Base-up prisms were introduced to create vertical disparity in the peripheral retinal area, whereas an offset compensation was added in the central area. Data were analyzed in JMP software using T-test and repeated-measures ANOVA tests.

RESULTS

VFA is significantly affected by target properties including viewing distance, target complexity and disparity velocity; the impact from lighting condition and background luminance is not significant. Although central retina plays a crucial role in the fusion process, peripheral regions also affect the fusion performance when stimulus size on retina and contents disparity values are modified between central and peripheral vision.

CONCLUSION

Vertical fusion is affected by various target properties. For the first time, peripheral vertical disparity direction effects on central fusion and eye motion response have been explored. Besides, a quantitative interaction of central and peripheral fusion is observed, which could be applied in clinical measurement on binocular disease concerning central and peripheral vision conflict.

Management of binocular diplopia due to maculopathy with combined bangerter filter and fresnel prism

PURPOSE

To describe treatment of binocular diplopia due to maculopathy with a combination of Bangerter foil and Fresnel prism. Methods and Case Report: A protocol for prescribing a combination of Bangerter foil and Fresnel prism is described. A series of three patients in whom a Bangerter foil or prism alone were ineffective for binocular diplopia due to maculopathy, along with a detailed case report of one of these patients, illustrates how a combination of both were used to treat the diplopia.

CONCLUSIONS

Fogging is presumed to relieve binocular diplopia due to maculopathy by inducing a functional central scotoma in the affected eye. In some patients, prism correction is needed in addition to a Bangerter foil to eliminate diplopia, possibly by impoving superimposition of the scotoma in the affected eye and the fovea of the sound eye.

Monocular partial/sector occlusion therapy: a procedure to inhibit diplopia in Brown syndrome

BACKGROUND

Brown syndrome is recognized clinically as an absence or restriction of elevation in adduction. It often causes intermittent diplopia.

CASE REPORT

This article includes discussion of a child, age 3 years, 11 months, who underwent surgery of the right eye for a left hypertropia. By age 5 years, he complained to his mother of daily, intermittent diplopia, eye pain in both eyes (OU), and frontal headaches. Additional strabismus surgeries OU were done at ages 6¾ years and 8¼ years. At age 10½ years, the ophthalmologist first noted suspicion of acquired right Brown syndrome, which was definitively diagnosed at age 14. At that time, the original complaints remained unresolved, and his mother was hesitant to allow a fourth surgery. Thus, a procedure was devised to partially occlude a precise sector of the spectacle lens for the noninvolved eye in Brown syndrome. This successfully inhibited the daily, intermittent diplopia while allowing fusion and normal stereopsis in primary and down gaze. Also, it resolved the associated eye pain OU and headaches.

CONCLUSION

Monocular partial/sector occlusion therapy to inhibit intermittent diplopia in Brown syndrome offers a sensible alternative to surgery for those with normal or near-normal alignment, fusion, and stereopsis in primary and down gaze. For those who contemplate surgery, had failed surgery, or require treatment of underlying disease, monocular partial/sector occlusion therapy can serve as an excellent adjunct. Also, it may be attempted in other incomitant strabismic deviations with bothersome diplopia limited to specific positions of gaze.

Diplopia and strabismus following ocular surgeries

Postoperative diplopia and strabismus may result from a variety of ocular surgical procedures. Common underlying mechanisms include sensory disturbance, scarring, direct extraocular muscle injury, myotoxicity from injections of local anesthesia or antibiotics, and malpositioning of extraocular muscles by implant materials. The most common patterns are vertical and horizontal motility disturbance. Treatment options include prisms, botulinum, occlusion, or surgery.

"Was it something I said?": finding retinal pathology without actually examining the retina

INTRODUCTION

Diplopia secondary to maculopathy is a rare disturbance of binocular vision that may present to the orthoptist. The purpose of this study was to identify the distinguishing symptoms and clinical signs of this condition.

METHODS

A retrospective medical record review of adults presenting with diplopia that could not be relieved with prism or strabismus surgery.

RESULTS

Six cases were identified. All complained of vertical diplopia, though only one patient had a vertical strabismus. The diplopia improved in dim illumination in all cases. All patients noted monocular visual disturbances, including illusory movement of the image, when fixating with the involved eye. No patient was able to achieve stable binocular single vision with prism.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms and signs of diplopia secondary to maculopathy include: comitant vertical diplopia that worsens in bright illumination, illusory image movement when monocularly fixating with the involved eye, a tendency to "eat up" prism, and poor fusion potential. Because these patients may present to the orthoptist with no history of retinal disease, it is important to recognize the unique features of this condition.

Fixation switch and diplopia after full macular translocation surgery

PURPOSE

We sought to identify and evaluate treatment of patients who switched fixation to the poorer-seeing eye and complained of persistent diplopia 6 to 12 months after full macular translocation surgery (MT360) and extraocular muscle surgery.

METHODS

All patients enrolled in a prospective study undergoing MT360 and extraocular muscle surgery were included. All patients had sensorimotor examinations. Visual acuity and fixation preference between 6 and 12 months after MT360 and extraocular muscle surgery were analyzed.

RESULTS

Preoperative median visual acuity was 20/100 in operated vs 20/640 in fellow eyes; after MT360, the values were similar to the preoperative values (n = 67). After MT360 but before extraocular muscle surgery, all patients preferred the fellow eye for ambulation. Six to 12 months after MT360, 58 of 67 (86%) patients fixated with the better-seeing eye (52 operated vs 6 fellow eyes); 4/67 (6%) fixated with the operated eye despite its poorer or equal visual acuity; 5 of 67 (8%) fixated with the poorer-seeing fellow eye, all 5 of whom experienced diplopia (ie, fixation switch and diplopia). Treatment of diplopia included Fresnel prism, additional extraocular muscle surgery, and occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Fixation switch to the poorer-seeing eye can occur after MT360, despite a successful visual outcome in the operated eye and the diplopia is difficult to treat.