eye drooping, won't dilate after neck surgery

Jenah · Guest

Hello, I had Anterior Cervical Disk Fusion surgery level 3-4 on the neck three weeks ago. After surgery my face and eyes were swollen for two days. After the swelling went away, I noticed that my right eye was droopong and the eye would not dilate. Went to my surgeon to have stitches removed, advised him of this, he then sent me to eye doctor. The eye doctor dialted my eyes. He thinks that I may have Horner's Syndrome and wanted to have an MRI and MRA of the neck, brain and chest done within next two days. The nurse called me back and said that the earliest I can get in for the MRI's is in two weeks. Is this something that needs to be done right away? Should I be concerned? My doctor that did my surgery did not seem to concerned. I am a little worried as I do not really know what Horner's Syndrome is, and what could have made my eye droop and not dialte after surgery. I know that this is long but any answers would be greatly appreciated!

rossy57 · Newbie Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

I also had Eye Droop after Anterior Cervical Disk Fusion Surgery, with small fixed pupil that would not dilate. I was told that I have Horner's Syndrome. I was told that it was caused by nerves in my neck being "moved" during the surgery, when the clamps/spreaders were used to make the opening for my surgery. My neurosurgeon said that some people have very sensitive nerves that are easily damaged. The good news is that these nerves can, and usually do, repair themselves. It can take 3-6 months or longer, and sometimes the nerves do not repair themselves, leaving the person with a droopy eye.

I am on month four and my eye has gotten a little better, but it still droops and I have eye pain after using the computer for more than a few minutes or reading for an extended time. I also have a paralyzed vocal cord and dry mouth, because of nerve damage at my neck. I hope your nerves don't take as long as mine, to repair themselves.

My internist also sent me for a chest X-ray and he sent me to an eye doctor to rule out other reasons for my symptoms, but my neurosurgeon said the tests were not necessary. I had the tests anyway and no other reasons were found.

One thing I found was that if I put over the counter eye drops in my eye, it would not droop for 1-2 hours and the pupil would return to normal for the same amount of time, making me think that my eye is too dry. I have tried several eye drops and the one that works the best for me is Kroger brand Eye Drops - Extra Moisturizing. I don’t know if these can be used indefinitely.

The good news...my neck feels great. It took about 3 months for the bone graft to heal and start feeling really wonderful.

rossy57

Guest · Guest

I just had Anterior Cervical Disk Fusion Surgery on C4-C6 and had woken up to my left eye looking weepy and 1/2 open the surgery was on Sept. 18-08 and it is now Oct 1st. My eye has not gotten any better, I have pressure in it and it starins as I read or work on the computer. I am still at home recovering from surgery but it worries me. I brought it up to my Dr. ans she said it was from the nerves being pulled that it will come back. I am troubled that she did not even look inside it. I have a 2 week follow up with her this week and plan to make sure she takes it more seriously. I will see what happens.

Guest · Guest

I also have same symptoms after surgery 2 weeks ago. Somebody please let me know outcomes. Not comfortable waiting 4 months
Thanks

Guest · Guest

I also have a constricted pupil and eye drooping after 2 weeks of surgery.Any advice. Told 3-4 months recovery.

eye drooping, won't dilate after neck surgery

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