Are you facing vision issues? When you look at an object, it seems to have two images at the same moment? If yes, you might be having diplopia or double vision. It can be perturbing, particularly if it starts affecting your daily activities, such as reading and walking. It may be a temporary or long-term issue, and underlying health issues could be the cause. Specialised eye care can help with timely diagnosis and double vision treatment so that the condition can be effectively managed.
What is Double Vision?
Double vision means you see two images of the same object instead of one clear image. It happens because your eyes are not working together the way they should.
The two images can appear:
- Side by side (horizontal double vision)
- One on top of the other (vertical double vision)
- At an angle (diagonal double vision)
Types of Diplopia
Double vision can happen in one eye or both eyes:
- One eye (monocular double vision): Monocular diplopia is the double vision that occurs in one eye – it stays even if you close the other eye. It’s usually less serious than its binocular counterpart, which occurs when both eyes are open.
Typical causes include refractive errors, changes in the eyeball shape, cataracts, or corneal issues. It can often be corrected with simple treatments, depending on the cause.
- Both eyes (binocular double vision): Binocular diplopia is the double vision that goes away if you close either eye – you see two images when both eyes are open.
It usually happens because the eye muscles, nerves, or brain are not working together properly. A typical example is misalignment of the eyes (strabismus) or squint as we commonly know it.
What Can Cause Double Vision?
There are many possible reasons for double vision, including:
- Need for glasses: Uncorrected eyesight problems (refractive errors) like astigmatism
- Eye muscle problems: Weakness or imbalance in the muscles that control eye movement
- Nerve issues: Damage to the nerves, particularly those that control the eyes
- Eye surface problems: Corneal scars or irregular shape
- Cataracts: Clouding of the natural lens inside your eye
- Medical conditions: Diabetes or thyroid problems affecting the eyes
- Brain-related issues: Stroke, head injury, tumours, or certain neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis
- Injury or trauma: Eye or head injuries can cause damage to nerves or muscles that control eye movement
It is paramount to identify the reason behind double vision so that you can get the right treatment.
Other Symptoms That May Come With Double Vision
Along with seeing double, you might also have (depending on the underlying cause):
- Headache
- Eye pain or strain
- Trouble focusing
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness or unsteady feeling
- Light sensitivity
- Tilting your head to see better
- Nausea
When Should You See a Doctor?
You must get medical help right away if you suddenly suffer from double vision, especially if you also have:
- Severe headache
- Trouble walking or keeping balance
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty moving eyes
- Weakness or numbness in the face or limbs
These could be signs of a medical emergency like a stroke. Even if your symptoms are mild, don’t ignore them. Double vision, whether ongoing or recurring, demands attention of an eye specialist.
How is Double Vision Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Glasses or special prism lenses
- Eye exercises to help the eyes work together
- Medicines for conditions like thyroid eye disease or nerve inflammation
- Surgery for cataracts, corneal problems, or certain muscle issues
- Managing the underlying health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure
The Bottom Line
Double vision is more than just an eyesight problem – it can signal something serious. If you notice you are seeing two images of everything, get your eyes examined as soon as possible. At Sohana Eye Hospital, the most-trusted super-speciality eye hospital in Chandigarh, experienced eye specialists assist you with effective treatments for double vision and other eye conditions, ensuring that your eyes continue to be healthy and your sight remains clear for years.
