Double vision, or diplopia, is when you see two images of a single object. This can be a concerning experience and can affect your daily life in many ways. From walking to driving or reading, double vision can disrupt simple tasks. But what does double vision mean, and what could be causing it?

What Is Double Vision?

Double vision occurs when your eyes can’t align correctly to create a single, clear image. Instead, each eye sees the object slightly differently, sending two separate images to the brain. Double vision may affect just one eye (monocular diplopia) or both eyes together (binocular diplopia).

Monocular diplopia usually points to issues within a single eye, while binocular diplopia often indicates an alignment problem or an issue with the eye muscles or nerves.

What Causes Double Vision?

1. Eye Muscle Problems

One common cause of double vision is a problem with the muscles that control eye movement. Each eye has muscles that help it move in different directions. If one or more of these muscles is weak or damaged, the eye may not align properly, causing double vision.
Strabismus: Also known as squint or crossed eyes, strabismus happens when the eyes don’t align as they should. This is often seen in children but can develop in adults too.

2. Nerve Palsy

Nerve palsy occurs when the nerves that control the eye muscles are damaged. This can cause one or both eyes to move incorrectly, leading to double vision. Nerve palsy can result from medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or injury.
Cranial Nerve Palsy: There are three cranial nerves that control the eye muscles. Damage to any of these can lead to misalignment and double vision.

3. Neurological Conditions

Certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or stroke, can affect the brain’s ability to coordinate eye movements. If the brain can’t process signals from each eye correctly, it may lead to double vision.
Stroke: A stroke can disrupt the part of the brain that controls eye movement, leading to sudden double vision.
Multiple Sclerosis: MS affects the nervous system and can interfere with the nerves that control eye movement.

4. Refractive Errors

Refractive errors, such as astigmatism, can also cause double vision. Astigmatism is when the cornea has an irregular shape, leading to distorted vision. In some cases, this distortion can cause a single image to appear as two.
Astigmatism: Correctable with glasses, contact lenses, or sometimes surgery, astigmatism often causes blurriness, but in some cases, it can create double images.

5. Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision. Cataracts usually develop with age and are a common cause of double vision in one eye (monocular diplopia).
Treatment: Cataract surgery can remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one, restoring clear vision.

6. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can cause discomfort and blurred or double vision. When your eyes don’t produce enough moisture, the surface can become rough, leading to irregularities that affect how light enters the eye.
Solution: Dry eye treatments, such as eye drops or medication, can help alleviate this issue.

What Can Double Vision Indicate?

Double vision isn’t just about seeing double. It can signal an underlying health problem that needs attention.

• Eye Muscle Weakness: Double vision could be a sign of muscle weakness, possibly from conditions like myasthenia gravis, which weakens muscles throughout the body.
• Neurological Disorders: It may also indicate a neurological disorder, especially if it appears suddenly or comes with other symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or difficulty speaking.
• Systemic Conditions: Diabetes and high blood pressure can cause nerve damage, affecting the eyes and leading to double vision.

Should You Be Concerned?

Yes. Double vision is a signal from your body that something isn’t right. Ignoring it could mean overlooking a condition that needs treatment. If double vision is sudden or comes with other symptoms like pain, headaches, or numbness, seek immediate help.

Even if the double vision is mild, it’s worth investigating. Long-term double vision can strain your eyes, cause headaches, and impact your quality of life.

When to See a Specialist

You should see a specialist if you experience:

• Sudden onset of double vision
• Double vision in one or both eyes
• Eye pain or discomfort with double vision
• Other symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or numbness

A specialist will run tests to determine the cause and recommend the best treatment options.

How Is Double Vision Treated?

Treatment for double vision depends on the cause. Here are some common options:

• Eye Muscle Surgery: In cases of muscle weakness or misalignment, surgery can help improve eye alignment.
• Nerve Treatment: If nerve damage is causing double vision, managing the underlying condition can often restore normal vision.
• Eye Drops or Medication: For double vision caused by dry eyes, eye drops or medication can offer relief.

Double vision can mean many things, from muscle weakness to nerve damage or even neurological conditions. Understanding what’s behind your double vision is the first step to effective treatment.

If you’re experiencing double vision, don’t ignore it. Early treatment can improve your comfort and prevent further issues. Take the self-test today to start your journey toward clearer, more comfortable vision. Our team is here to find a treatment that suits you.