Understanding Double Vision (Diplopia)
Double vision, also known as diplopia, can be an alarming symptom to experience. It can interfere with daily activities and be caused by underlying health issues that need medical attention.
What is Double Vision?
With double vision, a person sees two overlapping images instead of a single normal image. Double vision involving the eyes usually indicates a misalignment in the way the eyes work together or focus.
Having double vision can make it very difficult to read, walk properly, or discern distance and depth perception. Even temporary double vision tends to significantly impact regular functioning.
Types of Double Vision
Double vision is generally categorized into two main types:
- Monocular double vision - Double images in only one eye. This may indicate a problem with that eye itself.
- Binocular double vision - Seeing double with both eyes when looking at an object. Often caused by eyes not working properly together.
Identifying which type of double vision occurs guides diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Double Vision
Some of the many possible causes of double vision include:
Eye Misalignment Issues
- Strabismus - Eyes point in different directions
- Amblyopia (lazy eye) - One eye doesnt focus well
Aging Eye Structure Changes
- Cataracts - Clouding in eyes lens
- Presbyopia - Lens loses flexibility to focus up close
- Retina damage - From diabetes or high blood pressure
Nerve & Muscle Problems
- Ischemic optic neuropathy - Nerve damage from poor blood flow
- Multiple sclerosis - Nerve damage and muscle weakness
- Myasthenia gravis - Muscle weakness behind the eye
- Thyroid eye disease - Muscle control issues from thyroid
Eye Injuries & Inflammation
- Corneal abrasion - Scratch or infection on surface of eye
- Iritis or uveitis - Inflammation inside the eye
- Detached retina - Inner lining of eye lifts away
- Chemical exposure - From irritants like pepper spray
Pinpointing the underlying reason causing double vision guides the appropriate treatments to follow.
Double Vision Diagnosis
To correctly diagnose the cause of double vision, an eye doctor will typically:
Take a Medical History
Understanding your symptoms and timeline, health conditions, medications, recent illnesses or injuries, and family history helps identify related issues.
Check Your Eyes & Vision
An eye chart checks sharpness of eyesight. Covering one eye then the other checks for monocular or binocular double vision. Eye reflexes and muscle function will also be evaluated.
Further Eye Exams
Additional testing can include:
- Eye muscle measurement - Checks alignment
- Retinal imaging - Views back of eye to spot damage
- Eye pressure test - Screens for glaucoma
- Ultrasound or angiogram - Evaluates eye blood vessels
Medical Imaging
A CT or MRI scan of the brain and orbits around the eyes checks for potential neurological conditions.
Identifying the underyling reason for double vision guides the treatments or lifestyle changes to resolve it.
Treating Double Vision (Diplopia)
Treatments to alleviate double vision depend on the specfic cause identified during diagnosis. Some options include:
Corrective Lenses
Glasses, contacts, or prisms may help eyes focus together properly to regain single vision.
Patching One Eye
A patch over one eye can eliminate double vision. It lets the brain ignore signals from a misaligned eye and rely solely on the properly-seeing eye.
Eye Exercises
Orthoptic exercises can train eye muscles to work together again in some types of strabismus or misalignment issues.
Medications
Prescriptions like steroids, immunosuppressants, or eyedrops to reduce inflammation or swelling may treat underlying inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.
Surgery
In cases like cataracts, retinal detachment, eye misalignments, or thyroid conditions, surgery can help restore proper vision and eye coordination.
Coping with Double Vision
In some instances, double vision arises unexpectedly and resolving it requires determining the cause. Other times, chronic double vision cant be cured. Changes and accommodations help cope in these cases.
Adaptive Equipment
Handrails, ramps, lighting adjustments, wider doorways, organizational tools, and stable furniture help navigate safely at home and work.Talking electronics provide accessibility.
Transportation & Travel
Rideshares, paratransit, community shuttles, and accessible public transit offer transportation independence.
Support Networks
Peer support groups, personal care assistants, social work services, meal deliveries, friends and family assistance, and home health aides provide help in daily life activities affected by double vision.
Though adjusting to chronic double vision poses challenges, various adaptive tools and services make coping and retaining independence possible with planning and support.
When to See Your Doctor
Consult an eye doctor right away if you experience new onset double vision to determine the cause. Sudden double vision - especially if combined with other neurological symptoms like weakness or headaches - can signal very serious conditions requiring prompt medical intervention.
Even if youve had chronic double vision for awhile, contact your doctor if symptoms seem to be getting worse. Catching new damage early maximizes options for restoring vision function.
Staying on top of regular eye exams as recommended also helps monitor for early changes that may still respond better to intervention if caught in time.
While adapting to permanent double vision impacts quality of life, todays innovative tools provide many options and support services to maintain independence despite vision disability.
FAQs
Is double vision serious?
Double vision is always considered serious until the cause is diagnosed. Sudden double vision can signal very serious neurological or vascular conditions requiring prompt medical care. Even chronic double vision warrants monitoring eye health.
Can you drive with double vision?
It is unsafe and illegal to drive if you are experiencing double vision. The overlapping images impair judgement of speed, distance, and position on the road posing significant danger.
Can a brain tumor cause double vision?
Yes, a brain tumor pressing on the nerves linking the eyes and brain can sometimes cause double vision. That’s why new onset or worsening double vision warrants rapid medical evaluation.
How long does double vision last with a TIA?
With a transient ischemic attack (TIA) cutting blood flow in the brain only briefly, double vision or other vision symptoms typically last less than one hour. But urgent assessment is still vital after any TIA.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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