Systemic Diseases and Double Vision in Adults

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Introduction: Health care practitioners are often attuned to specific ocular anomalies associated with common systemic diseases. This case series describes less common presentations of patient with visual symptoms and systemic diseases not initially associated with their visual complaints. Case presentation: (1) A 55 year-old female presents with sudden onset double vision that began after being placed on medical therapies for arthritis and severe migraines. (2) An 18 year-old female reports debilitating blur and double vision unresponsive to traditional spectacle correction after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease and Ehlos Danlos Syndrome. (3) A 59 year-old female with borderline diabetes and thyroid disease reports increasing frequency of double vision despite no new ocular findings. Deviation From the Expected: This case series highlights how frail systemic health can trigger a cascade of breakdowns in the visual system not commonly associated with the patient’s systemic illnesses. Discussion: Systemic conditions can affect the visual system’s ability to compensate for underlying binocular conditions. Ocular involvement in systemic diseases may be the only initial presenting symptom but it can also provide important information regarding disease activity. Conclusion: This series highlights for health care practitioners how the combination of fragile systemic health and unstable visual system can result in debilitating ocular symptoms. Additionally, the report will describe the specific visual breakdowns and present ocular management for these atypical cases. Grants: No grants or funding to disclose.