Double vision: symptoms, causes, and treatment

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Double Vision - Causes ,Treatment and Symptoms

Double vision, medically known as diplopia, is an eye condition where a person sees two images of a single object. It is caused due to an issue with one or more eye structures.

Each eye has a separate nerve that carries a picture of the object as seen by that eye to the brain. Double vision occurs if each eye sends information to both hemispheres of the brain and each side of the brain receives two images.

Types

There are two types of double vision:

Monocular diplopia is present when a person uses only one eye at a time, appearing as a shadow. It is less severe and more common.
Binocular diplopia occurs when both eyes are simultaneously open and disappears if you cover one eye. It has more serious underlying conditions.

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with double vision include:

Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
blurred vision
Pain

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our Ophthalmologist today.

What are the causes of double vision?

Monocular diplopia is commonly caused by cataracts, astigmatism, dry eye syndrome, iris (the colored part of your eye) abnormalities, or ill-fitting glasses or contact lenses.

Binocular diplopia is caused by misaligned eyes, cranial nerve issues, brain aneurysms, or stroke. Other causes of double vision are myasthenia gravis, proptosis, vertigo, keratoconus, and diabetes.

Celebrex (inflammation), Tylenol (pain relief), Adipex (for obesity), Mevacor (elevated cholesterol), Lamictal (seizures), and Zantac (ulcers) can also induce double vision.

When should you consult a doctor if you have double vision?

Consult a doctor as soon as you notice any changes in your vision. Get your eyes examined regularly if you wear glasses or contact lenses. Seek medical advice to get rid of the condition.

What are the diagnosis and treatment options for double vision?

Your doctor may diagnose double vision by performing a physical examination or might ask you to visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Monocular diplopia does not need additional tests for diagnosis, but binocular diplopia requires imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, and blood tests.

The treatment options for double vision depend upon its cause. Follow your doctor’s advice. One can manage double vision temporarily by covering one eye for a while or wearing special contact lenses. Maintaining good eye health can prevent double vision.

ConclusionIf you experience any symptoms of double vision, consult an eye specialist soon, as it can indicate a serious underlying issue.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Double Vision Symptoms

Double vision can be a sign of a stroke. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke can cause a visual disturbance. One may experience loss of vision or double vision.

Cataracts can cause double vision. A cataract is an eye condition characterized by clouding of the normally clear lens due to aging. The diffraction from the clouding of the lens leads to double vision. Cataracts can be treated by outpatient surgery.

In some cases, simple treatments like eye exercises, prescription glasses or contact lenses, or wearing an eye patch can help you manage the condition. In some severe cases, eye surgery is the only option. Get your eyes examined to know your treatment option.

In some cases, the intraocular lens that the doctor fixes in your eye during cataract surgery can slip out and cause double vision. Generally, it can be corrected and the condition may stabilize within 2-4 months.

A severe ear infection may cause double vision. One such condition is labyrinthitis, which can lead to blurred or double vision. Another condition is vertigo, which is caused by an imbalance in the inner ear fluid and is characterized by a spinning sensation.

References

Double Vision (Diplopia) by Patricia S. Bainter, MD, William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, Medically Reviewed on 7/30/2020. (https://www.medicinenet.com/double_vision/article.htm )
Diplopia (Double Vision), Medically Reviewed by Whitney Seltman, OD on March 30, 2020. (https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/double-vision-diplopia-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment)