Double vision
Double vision, also known as diplopia, is a symptom identified by seeing two images of a single object. It is often indicative of an underlying condition affecting the eyes, muscles, or nerves responsible for coordinating eye movements. Therefore, double vision itself is a symptom rather than a standalone condition.
Double vision is the condition in which a person perceives two images when there should only be one. One image can be stacked one over the other, placed next to each other, or both. The illness may cause problems with mobility, balance, and reading comprehension. It is called monocular double vision if it only affects one eye. If any of the eyes are affected, it is binocular. Depending on the reason and kind, treatments could involve surgery, specialized glasses, and eye exercises.
What is Double Vision?
Double vision, also known as diplopia, is the condition in which you perceive two distinct objects in your field of vision as opposed to one distinct and distinct depiction of each object. Permanent or transient double vision is possible. Double vision can result from a variety of situations or illnesses, varying in severity from a little inconvenience to a major or even fatal issue. There are three possible orientations for double images: vertical, horizontal, or skewed. Polyplopia is the perception of one item in three or more opposing representations.
According to its origin, it can be of two types:
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Binocular: The most common type is when the eyes are not properly aligned with one another. Most often, it has to do with strabismus.
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Monocular: A much less common variant when one eye produces double vision. It is linked to an anomaly of the eyes, like astigmatism or cataracts.
Causes of Double vision
Stroke,
head injury, a 7tumor of the brain, brain swelling, or
aneurysm
of the brain:
Double vision can occur out of nowhere and be caused by a brain tumor, stroke, head injury, or other similar disorder. After an examination, you can be referred by your
ophthalmologist
to a specialist for more testing and treatment, like a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Corneal Irregularities : Diseases of the cornea, like keratoconus and corneal dystrophies, can also result in double vision. Treatments for dry eyes, like eye drops or point plugs, or customized contact lenses are frequently used to cure diplopia caused by abnormalities in the cornea. However, surgical treatments like Intacs implants or corneal transplants could be required occasionally. The best course of action for treating your double vision can be discussed with your ophthalmologist.
Dry Eyes : Eye drops, earplugs, eye vitamins, eyelid hygiene practices, or a mix of these treatments can be helpful for many individuals with dry eyes.
Refractive Surgery : Due to changes in your corneas, you may have temporary double vision if you have undergone LASIK, PRK, or any other refractive surgery to improve your vision without glasses or contact lenses. Light beams may scatter rather than correctly concentrate due to an uneven corneal surface, which may be brought either by the operation itself or by dry eyes following the procedure. After surgery, this issue normally disappears within a few days or weeks later. To completely eradicate diplopia, a second laser vision correction surgery can be required in some circumstances.
Cataracts : Double vision can also result from cataracts. This is due to the fact that light rays can scatter in various directions due to the opacity of the natural lens of the eye, especially while looking at lighting, producing many images. This issue will usually be resolved with cataract surgery.
Cranial Nerve Palsy : Double vision can also result from paralysis or loss of control over one or more muscles that control eye placement and coordination due to cranial nerve paralysis. Cranial nerve paralysis can be brought on by diabetes,
cerebral damage,
stroke, multiple sclerosis,
meningitis,
high blood pressure, clogged arteries, or aneurysms.
When to visit a Doctor?
Double vision frequently requires a medical check to determine the cause. Having double vision is a sign that something is wrong with your
neurological system,
brain, or eyes. To determine the cause of the issue, a thorough assessment is required. A curable disease is often the cause of the additional picture that appears in your range of vision. However, if your vision suddenly changes, you should get medical help right once. Certain disorders require immediate medical intervention in order to avoid life-threatening complications or permanent visual loss.
Diagnosis of Double vision
Pay attention to the present condition of your health
You and your doctor may spend some time updating your medical history. This includes:
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A complete history of your symptoms: Your doctor can help you check out potential reasons and determine which tests would be beneficial if you fully describe your vision problems. If you have noticed any unexpected symptoms, even if you don't think they have anything to do with your visual issue, make sure you report them to your doctor.
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Your personal health history: Your doctor may consider underlying factors such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or neurological disorders that could be causing your vision problems.
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Your family health history: Inform your doctor if any members of your family suffer from conditions that can cause double vision. These issues may serve as a solid basis for your diagnosis.
Physical examination
A thorough physical examination can assist your physician in determining the potential cause of your double vision. This exam may include:
- blood tests to look for an infection
- eye exam and dilated eye exam
- eye movement tests
- toxicity tests
-
blood sugar
readings
- imaging tests, such as a
CT scan
or
MRI
Treatment of Double vision
This will depend on the underlying cause.
Treatment for monocular double vision
Treatment will depend on the cause.
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Astigmatism: This is a cornea that is atypically curled. Curvature may frequently be countered and the way incoming light enters the eye corrected with glasses that are corrective or contact lenses. An additional alternative is laser surgery. The cornea is laser-reshaped during this process.
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Cataracts: Generally, surgery is the best choice. The influencing and the reason for double vision are eliminated during the surgical treatment. Prompt treatment will typically cure complications, which include infection, discomfort, and possibly ongoing blurred or double vision.
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Dry Eye:The eyes may get sore and inflamed if they don't tear up enough or dry out too soon. It may cause double vision as a result. Usually, the symptoms can be relieved with prescription medication for tear replacement eye drops.
Treatment for monocular double vision
This will depend on the underlying cause.
- Wearing glasses
- Eye exercises
- Using an opaque contact lens
- Injections of botulinum toxin
(Botox)
into the eye muscles, causing them to remain relaxed
- Wearing an eye patch
- Surgery on the eye muscles to correct their position
- An adhesive prism, placed between the eyes in the centre of the glasses frame, can also help realign the images from each eye.
Prevention of Double vision
Prevention of diplopia begins with prevention of the underlying cause. To keep your eyes safe, here are some tips:
Manage your diabetes
Patients with diabetes who adhere to their treatment regimens are less likely to experience double vision. People who eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise frequently, and keep up a healthy weight are also far less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and, consequently, double vision because diabetes can be caused by lifestyle choices.
Prevent the development of cataracts.
Avoid cataracts and maintain the health of your eyes by eating a balanced diet,
quitting smoking,
and wearing sunglasses.
Soothe dry eyes
Preventing double vision can be achieved by keeping your eyes adequately lubricated. Despite the fact that prolonged computer use tries to lower intraocular pressure, it can cause dry eyes.
Protect yourself from head injuries.
Wearing seat belts in cars, a sturdy helmet when riding a bike or motorbike, and appropriate eyewear and a helmet when operating heavy machinery or participating in sports can all help prevent brain injuries.
