What double vision is
Double vision, known medically as diplopia, means seeing two images of a single object. It can have a marked effect on daily life.
Symptoms
In most cases double vision is temporary. It can, however, be a sign of a serious illness, so it is important to see a doctor when you experience it. Symptoms that commonly accompany diplopia include:
- Pain when moving the eyes
- Headache
- Aching temples or eyebrows
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
Types and causes
The causes of double vision depend on the type of diplopia.
Monocular diplopia
This type is usually less serious and comes from a problem in one eye. The person sees clearly with one eye while the other sees a faded or blurry second image. Possible causes:
- Cataract
- Severe astigmatism
- Keratoconus (thinning of the cornea)
- Dry eyes
- Abnormalities of the iris or cornea
- An incorrect pair of glasses or contact lenses
Binocular diplopia
When a person with binocular diplopia covers one eye the double vision disappears, and it returns when both eyes are open. It happens because the two eyes are not working together, even though each sees clearly on its own. Common causes:
- Damage to the nerves between the eyes and the brain
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Immune system disorders
- Myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disorders
- Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism)
Horizontal and vertical diplopia
When the two images sit side by side it is called horizontal diplopia; when one sits above the other it is vertical diplopia. Whatever the type, diplopia should be taken seriously. Even though most cases are temporary, it reduces depth perception and can make activities such as driving and working difficult and unsafe.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Because diplopia is usually linked to an underlying condition, the most important step is to identify and treat that cause. The usual treatment options your doctor may recommend are:
- Vision therapy
- Special lenses (prisms)
- Occlusion therapy
- Medication
- Surgery
With the right diagnosis and treatment, double vision can usually be managed, and in many cases it resolves once the cause is treated.
Double vision care at Spanish Eye Clinic
Spanish Eye Clinic in Dubai has a team of doctors, nurses, optometrists and patient coordinators who assess each case individually and build a treatment plan around the cause, from prism lenses to surgery where it is indicated. If you need help finding the cause of your double vision, call us or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
- Can double vision go away on its own?
- In some cases temporary double vision resolves on its own, especially when it is caused by minor issues such as fatigue or dry eyes. Persistent or recurring diplopia often points to an underlying condition that needs medical evaluation and treatment.
- How do prism glasses help with double vision?
- Prism glasses realign the images seen by each eye, which can reduce or remove the doubling. They help the eyes work together by changing the way light enters each eye, making vision more comfortable.
- When is surgery necessary for treating double vision?
- Surgery may be considered when muscle imbalance, nerve damage or a structural eye problem is causing the double vision and other treatments such as therapy or glasses have not been effective. Procedures aim to correct the alignment of the eyes.