My name is Eric and I live in the UK, in Manchester. I am in my early 60s. I had nasopharyngeal cancer in 2008 which resulted in an extended period of radiotherapy to the head and neck. i had a further two tumours, one on each side of my neck which led to a selective neck dissection in 2010. Last June I developed double vision and, after trying prism lenses for a bit, was forced to occlude my right eye. I have had MRI scans and there is no occurrence of cancer. The problem is with the abducens nerve on my left side. Strangely enough it is the other eye which is occluded and I use the left eye. It does not move a lot and I have to turn my head a lot, particularly to the left. My right eye works but only if I keep my head really still. It is brighter looking through the right eye and I usually use it for watching TV. A few weeks ago the right eye developed quite a severe shadowing, particularly with letters. Turned out I needed glasses and that has improved the clarity but made life more difficult as I am looking through a lens and my peripheral vision seems even more restricted.

I retired after 37 years teaching last August and this problem has robbed me of driving, playing golf and tennis, and made TV, the cinema and reading difficult. I am attending an ophthalmic clinic and the specialist says my eyes are in good condition but is waiting for them to stabilise before considering any radical treatment. I sort of feel I'm being parked somewhere. Maybe I have unreal expectations.

Does anyone have any observations that might help? Thanks in advance

Hello Eric and a big welcome here to LE.
Firstly I am so glad that there is no re occurrence of cancer.
Secondly I don't think you are being parked somewhere and I am inclined to agree that you need to give yourself more time for the eyes to settle. Having had so many surgeries you mention involving nerves must a bit confusing for your eyes and your brain is probably still working our how best to tackel the vision that you have.

You have joined a remarkable set of people here, CA survivors, accident victims but all of whom get on with their lives the very best way they can. It might be frustrating for you for now but take your time and the famous motto here is "Take baby steps".
You will soon I am sure find another favourite past time and even if you struggle with it at first concentrate on how well you have done when each day passes.
The positivity of the people here is second to none and they will guide you through the rough times. I am glad that you are seeing an ophthalmologist and if you are not happy about anything keep asking them questions.
The only thing I can think of is wearing ordinary seeing glasses and occluding the bad eye with either a lens or an eye patch. Others will help you here.
I am not familiar with the abducen nerve and how it works but we have a resident ophthalmologist here who might know.

(ps. I am visiting Manchester my home town in July to see my family) I can't wait.
Take care Eric and keep posting your queries.

fazza8:
as i understand your post, you have a 6th cranial nerve (abducens) palsy for about a year. the 6th nerve works the lateral rectus eye muscle. when paralyzed, the eye will not move outward (toward the ear). this gives double vision when looking in that direction. straight ahead gaze will also give double vision but sometimes can be compensated for by turning the face to one side. i do not understand why your right eye is being occluded since you said that your vision is much clearer in your right eye now that you got new glasses. why are you occluding your right eye? typically, we occlude the affected eye but that is not necessary. it means you have to turn your head more to look off to the side as it seems you are doing. good luck.

Hi Eric and welcome to LE great people live here who care and share. I agree with Ward in that your body has been through a lot and it does take the brain some time to rewire itself. I had left eye removed due to cancer in it; I have a prosthethic and like most people in this situation we also have to move our heads a lot but you pick these things up as you go along and become quicker and used to it. I also agree with our resident eye specialist (cslonim) about why now that you are wearing glasses you are still blanking out an eye?? Baby steps will get you to a new normal .... another saying on LE. cheers vera