If you’ve recently noticed seeing two images of a single object, you may be experiencing double vision, also known as diplopia. This eye condition can affect one or both eyes and can range from something minor to a more serious issue. The severity of your condition will depend on several factors – while double vision can often be corrected easily, it can also indicate a serious neurological problem.
What Are the Symptoms of Double Vision?
One of the most noticeable symptoms of double vision is seeing two images of the same object, which can understandably be alarming. Double vision can appear in different ways, including vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Aside from being unsettling, it may also lead to other uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, headaches, eye strain, drooping eyelids, or even a cross-eyed appearance.
What Causes Double Vision?
There are various causes of double vision, making it important to determine the origin of the problem to treat it correctly. Fortunately, not all cases of double vision are linked to serious conditions. For example, if you notice your eyes aren’t perfectly aligned, you might have a form of strabismus, which can cause persistent or intermittent double vision.
In some cases, double vision can be temporary and related to less serious issues like fatigue, stress, or standing up too quickly. However, it’s important not to ignore these occurrences. Conditions like major infections, trauma, or low blood sugar can also cause temporary double vision.
Sudden onset of double vision can be a sign of more serious health concerns. When both eyes are involved – known as binocular diplopia – this can be caused by neurological issues such as:
- Head or brain injury
- Brain tumor
- Aneurysm
- Stroke
- Myasthenia gravis
- Multiple sclerosis
On the other hand, monocular diplopia refers to double vision in just one eye, often noticed when attempting to focus with both eyes open. This may point to specific conditions like a refractive error (a change in the shape of the eye) or the early stages of cataracts.
How Is Double Vision Treated?
Treatment for double vision depends on its cause. For example, if you have double vision caused by strabismus, treatment may involve eye exercises or even surgery to align the eye. If cataracts are the cause, cataract surgery is likely the solution. For temporary double vision, a Fresnel prism can be added to your glasses to help align the images and make it easier to see one clear image.
However, as mentioned earlier, double vision can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires more complex treatment. That’s why it’s essential to diagnose the cause of your double vision so that the appropriate ocular or medical testing and treatment can be provided. It’s important to visit your optometrist as soon as possible to address any potential issues.
