Have you ever looked at an object and seen two of it? It can be annoying and frightening, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. Today we’d like to discuss the possible causes of double vision and how it can be treated. What causes double vision? Double vision, or diplopia, can occur in one or both eyes. You can tell which one you have by closing one eye. Monocular diplopia is when you have double vision in just one eye, while binocular diplopia is when you have double vision with both eyes open. Monocular diplopia can be caused by corneal issues such as astigmatism or keratoconus. Lens issues, such as cataracts or a lens dislocation, can also be causes. Pterygium, dry eye, eyelid masses or swellings, and retinal problems can also be factors. Binocular diplopia can be caused by strabismus, or eye misalignment. Diabetes can also affect eye muscle movements. Double vision can be a neurological symptom caused by aneurysm, stroke, or neoplasm. Myasthenia gravis or nerve damage can cause double vision, as well as the thyroid condition Graves’ disease. Finally, eye trauma can be a factor. How can I treat double vision? The first step is finding out exactly what is causing your double vision. Diplopia can be caused by a wide variety of potential diagnoses. It can be as simple as dry eye or as concerning as a brain tumor. If you have sudden onset double vision or a dramatic shift in vision, it is important to see your doctor right away. Determining the cause is always the first and most important step. After that, doctors can work on eliminating the double vision. If you have astigmatism or eye misalignment, treating your double vision may be as simple as getting a new glasses prescription. Cataracts can be treated with surgery. Diabetes-related double vision is usually reversible and can be improved with careful maintenance of blood sugar. Other muscle- and nerve-related double vision issues can sometimes require surgery or BOTOX injections. To prevent trauma-related double vision, wear protective goggles or headgear during high-risk activities, such as playing sports or working on construction sites. If you have double vision concerns, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at CEENTA. We want your vision to be number one, and that include seeing single images. This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. You can schedule an appointment with CEENTA's eye doctors online or through myCEENTAchart.
