Double vision, also known as diplopia, is a visual condition where a person sees two images of a single object instead of one. These two images may appear vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, and can be either overlapping or separate. Double vision can be temporary or long-lasting and can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.
There are two types of double vision: binocular and monocular. Binocular double vision occurs when both eyes are open and can be corrected by covering one eye. Monocular double vision occurs when one eye is open and can be a sign of a problem with that specific eye.
There are various causes of double vision, including:
Eye muscle problems: Double vision can occur if the muscles that control the movement of the eyes become weak or damaged. This can happen due to conditions like strabismus, Graves’ disease, and myasthenia gravis.
Neurological problems: Double vision can be caused by problems with the brain, nerves, or blood vessels that supply them. Conditions like a brain aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, and stroke can cause double vision.
Refractive errors: Double vision can occur if the eyes have different refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. This can be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Eye injuries: Double vision can occur after an injury to the eye or surrounding structures, such as the muscles or nerves.
Medications: Some medications can cause double vision as a side effect. These include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants.
The treatment of double vision depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, double vision may resolve on its own. However, if the underlying cause is a serious medical condition, prompt treatment is essential. Treatments may include:
Corrective lenses: Wearing glasses or contact lenses can correct double vision caused by refractive errors.
Eye exercises: Eye exercises can help strengthen weak eye muscles and improve eye alignment.
Prism glasses: Prism glasses can be used to correct double vision by shifting the image in one eye slightly.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required to correct double vision caused by eye muscle problems.
Treatment of underlying conditions: Treating underlying conditions like multiple sclerosis, thyroid problems, or diabetes may help resolve double vision.
If you experience sudden or persistent double vision, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Your eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the underlying cause of your double vision and recommend the appropriate treatment.
