The Ongoing Journey of Vision: A Patient’s Experience with Double Vision After LASIK

08/08/2025

A Patient Story from Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE

Age: 41 years old
History: LASIK and refractive surgery with intraocular lens implantation (20 years ago)
First Visit : 29/05/2024
Initial Complaint: Double vision and strabismus

Diagnosis & Challenges

After thorough examination and advanced diagnostic testing, our team identified a rare and complex combination of conditions:

Monocular esotropia (right eye)
Vertical strabismus
Ocular hypertension

Treatment & Outcome:

On 13/11/2024, we performed strabismus surgery targeting RECESSION OR RESECTION PROCEDURE; 2 HORIZONTAL MUSCLES (13 / 11 / 2024). She does not report diplopia

Key Takeaways:

The patient had refractive surgery with IOL and LASIK 20 years ago. Eight years ago, she started experiencing double vision and now closes her right eye for focusing and driving. Managing diplopia is challenging due to the wide range of potential causes, but in this case, it is further complicated by the patient’s comorbidity of ocular hypertension

When Vision Shifts Again: A Post-LASIK Strabismus Journey

At Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE, we believe that vision correction is not a destination but an ongoing journey. One of our patients, a 41-year-old woman, came to us after living for years with unexplained visual discomfort. Her story is a powerful reminder that even after successful refractive surgery, the eyes can continue to change over time.

Two decades ago, she underwent LASIK along with intraocular lens implantation. Like many patients, she expected this combination of treatments to offer her a lifetime of visual clarity without glasses. For several years, that was true. Her vision remained stable, and she enjoyed the benefits of her procedures.

But nearly eight years ago, she began to experience troubling symptoms. Her world started to blur and duplicate. Daily activities such as driving, reading, and focusing on screens became frustrating and difficult. She adapted by closing her right eye to see clearly. This coping mechanism worked for a while, but it was not a long-term solution.

Eventually, she sought help from our team at Barraquer UAE.

A Complex Diagnosis Revealed

Through comprehensive diagnostic testing and expert evaluation, our team identified a rare combination of ocular conditions. These included:

Monocular esotropia in the right eye, causing inward turning
Vertical strabismus, creating a vertical misalignment of the eyes
Ocular hypertension, an elevated pressure in the eyes that can lead to glaucoma if left untreated

This combination is particularly complex in a post-LASIK patient. Refractive surgery alters the eye’s anatomy, and while it typically does not affect the eye muscles, it can make future conditions more difficult to diagnose and manage. In this case, the patient’s double vision, also known as diplopia, was caused by mechanical misalignment of the extraocular muscles. These muscles are responsible for coordinating eye movement. When one or more becomes imbalanced or overactive, the eyes begin to drift out of sync.

The Surgical Solution: Strabismus Correction

Once we confirmed the structural cause of her vision changes, our team developed a precise surgical plan tailored to her needs. The treatment involved strabismus surgery, focusing on the horizontal muscles of the right eye. The procedure combined muscle recession (relaxing the overactive muscle) and muscle resection (strengthening the weaker one) to restore proper eye alignment.

Because the patient had undergone LASIK and lens implantation in the past, it was crucial to avoid disturbing the cornea or intraocular structures. Our team’s extensive experience in post-refractive and complex strabismus cases allowed for a safe and targeted approach.

The goal was not only cosmetic alignment, but more importantly, functional improvement. Restoring binocular vision would eliminate her need to rely on one eye and bring back clarity in depth perception and spatial awareness.

The Results: Vision and Confidence Restored

The outcome was successful. Post-surgery, her eyes are now properly aligned. She no longer experiences double vision and has returned to her normal activities without discomfort. Tasks that were once overwhelming, such as driving at night or reading small text, are now part of her daily life again.

This case is a powerful example of how vision correction does not end with LASIK or IOL surgery. Eyes are dynamic, and conditions such as strabismus or ocular hypertension can develop years later. The key is early intervention, personalized care, and a trusted team of specialists.

Why Patients Trust Barraquer UAE for Complex Eye Conditions

As the Dubai branch of the globally recognized Barraquer Ophthalmology Center in Barcelona, we bring more than 80 years of excellence in eye care to the region. Our hospital is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and staffed by European-trained consultants who specialize in refractive surgery, strabismus treatment, and advanced eye muscle procedures.

We use the latest in visual alignment technologies, including 3D ocular tracking, optical coherence tomography, and high-resolution imaging. These tools allow us to detect subtle changes in eye movement and pressure, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan from the start.

Eye Health Is a Lifelong Commitment

This patient’s journey is a reminder that vision changes are not always predictable. Even after successful LASIK surgery, new conditions can arise. Regular eye checkups, especially for those with a history of eye surgery or elevated eye pressure, are essential.

At Barraquer UAE, we are committed to providing personalized solutions for every stage of your visual journey. Whether you are seeking help for a new concern or reevaluating a past treatment, we are here to guide you with compassion, expertise, and innovation.

To protect patient confidentiality, all personal identifiers have been removed from this story. At Barraquer UAE, we treat every case with discretion and care.

If your vision feels different, it may be time to take a closer look. Let us help you see clearly again.

Schedule a Consultation Today

For consultation, please contact us:

Email: appointments@barraquer.ae
Phone (Outside the UAE): +971 4 573 9999
Toll-Free (Within the UAE): 800 234823 (BEHUAE)
Availability: 7 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00 PM

Our team will be pleased to assist you.