Look into his eyes: The success of my twin’s ocular surgery

My fraternal twin brother, Aaron, who was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) 25 years ago, underwent surgery last week to correct his crossed eyes, or strabismus, and double vision. I’m glad to report that he’s recuperating at home, happy with the results and doing well.

The operation was delayed multiple times over the past year, which caused him a lot of stress. During that period, I must admit, I advised him to think twice before having the surgery. I was worried that the procedure was too experimental, as well as about potential side effects. But if Aaron had listened to me, he’d still be dealing with strangers’ constant aesthetic judgments, adding to his stress.

A blurry shot of Aaron, moments before surgery. (Courtesy of Aaron Francis)

I’m sure Aaron had been thinking about this surgery for the past several years, but he’d made his decision recently. When he told me about his choice, I was worried. I’m a cynical man and couldn’t help thinking about what could go wrong.

Living with MG already complicates Aaron’s life and health. Why take a chance that things could get worse? I was worried that the surgery would only temporarily help his appearance and that his MG would void any such benefits within a few months.

As much as I love my twin brother, I’ve realized — since the mostly positive results of the surgery so far — that I’d prioritized my worries over his need to exercise his health options.

Aaron’s eyes would become crossed several months out of the year. For decades, dark sunglasses had been his stylistic choice for outdoors. Aaron also couldn’t move his eyes vertically or horizontally; they were stuck in place.

I’m mostly talking about how MG affected the looks of his eyes; I haven’t touched on the constant muscle weakness, double vision, and headaches he experienced. Meanwhile, the resulting anger and stress were likely to worsen his other MG symptoms.

The surgery and aftermath

Aaron’s surgery was originally set for Oct. 14, but that was postponed three days. When he finally arrived for surgery, he had to wait several hours because the procedure before him needed more time. Thus, his surgery began in the middle of the night, Oct. 18.

In the procedure, doctors tighten or loosen the ocular muscles to correct crossed eyes. The secondhand horror I felt for my twin cannot be quantified.

Aaron after his strabismus surgery. (Courtesy of Aaron Francis)

The surgery was mostly a success. He still can’t move his eyeballs horizontally and vertically, but his pupils both look forward now. Aaron said the doctor assured him that his MG wouldn’t cause his eyes to cross again.

Aaron told me that his eyes have been red and itchy since the surgery. His tear glands, responding to the procedure, have been working overtime, continually producing tears. But beyond that, he says he’s well.

Aaron told me that he almost left the medical clinic because of the long wait. But he said he’s glad he had the procedure and wanted me to say in my column that everyone with MG should know that they have options. He urges others with MG ocular issues to explore those options realistically with their doctor.

Today, I’m happy Aaron went through with the procedure and regret thinking that I knew better. Soon after the surgery, I told him I’d wanted to say that he shouldn’t do it; Aaron laughed and said he hadn’t wanted to do it, either. But it was an opportunity he felt he needed to explore.

How much more difficult would life be for Aaron if he’d canceled the surgery? This event has made me realize I need to set aside my worries and respect his need to look into all the medical options available for his MG.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.