Double vision, or Diplopia, occurs when a person sees a double image instead of just one. It can affect one or both eyes and can result from a variety of underlying conditions, and therefore can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Causes Of Double Vision
Both eyes must work together in order to form a clear picture. If damage occurs to eye muscles or nerves, a double image can be created.
Monocular Double Vision Is Double Vision That Occurs In One Eye When Tested Individually. Some Conditions That Can Cause This To Occur Include:
- Astigmatism
- Dry Eye
- Abnormality of the Lens
- Abnormality of the Retina
- Cataracts
Binocular Double Vision Occurs When A Double Image Is Present Only While Both Eyes Are Open. The Following Conditions Can Lead To This Type Of Double Vision:
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Head Injury
- Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Graves disease or thyroid disease
- Convergence insufficiency
- Childhood strabismus
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Double Vision
Because double vision can occur in one or both eyes, can be constant or variable, and can occur due to a number of possible conditions, a thorough vision examination, including a detailed medical history, must be performed to evaluate eye function, visual acuity and eye health. Once the underlying cause has been determined, the treatment is tailored to the specific condition. This can include prescription glasses or contact lenses, vision therapy or even surgery depending on the severity of the condition.
The possible causes of double vision can range from relatively harmless to life-threatening and therefore should be addressed immediately by an experienced optometrist like Dr. Martin at Family Vision Development Center. He is specially trained in advanced vision therapy techniques and will work with you to create a specific treatment plan based on your diagnosed condition.
Visit fvdcpc.com for more information or call 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment at our Aurora location at 452 N. Eola Rd.
Full referenced articles can be found HERE and HERE