Did you know that an estimated 850,000 visits to doctors’ offices and emergency departments occur in the U.S. on an annual basis due to double vision? That’s according to research from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Here are the common types, causes, and treatments of double vision so that you can better understand this condition and how it can be managed.

Understanding Double Vision

Double vision, also called diplopia, occurs when someone sees two images of the same object at once. One of the images produced may be fainter, known as a ghost image. For this reason, double vision is sometimes confused with blurred vision. People with double vision may have trouble with their balance, movement, and ability to read.

Double vision can be experienced in one or both eyes. If only one eye is affected, it’s known as monocular diplopia. Here, the double image continues to be seen even when the other eye is closed. The cause for this type of vision problem tends to be related to an optical issue within the eye rather than a result of a neurological disease.

Binocular diplopia causes a person to see double images when both eyes are open. In some cases, more serious conditions can be the root cause. This double vision can be horizontal, vertical, or both (diagonal). In some cases, more serious conditions can be the root cause.

Common Causes of Double Vision

Whenever we look around, our eyes combine the images they see and send them to the brain. This is how we get a clear picture. Combining two images is vital for us to perceive depth or distance. However, an interruption due to nerve or muscle damage can lead to double vision.
 

Double vision can occur due to certain health conditions that weaken the muscles which move the eyes. Damage to these muscles or the nerves that control eye movement can lead to double images appearing. Additionally, damage occurring in parts of the eye like the lens or cornea can also cause double vision.

How Is It Treated?

Double vision can be treated in various ways, depending on what is causing it.

• Monocular Diplopia — If the cause is dry eyes, you may get relief from prescriptive eye drops that act as tear substitutes. If astigmatism is causing your double vision, wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses could be the most effective remedy. On the other hand, surgery is likely the best solution if a cataract is to blame for it.
• Binocular Diplopia — Similarly, the treatment for binocular vision depends on the underlying cause. Some options that may be recommended include wearing glasses, wearing opaque contact lenses, or patching an eye. Other options include performing eye exercises or having surgery to correct the positioning of the eye muscles.

Have you been experiencing vision changes? Often, double vision is temporary. But it can also be an indication of more serious medical problems. It’s important to pay attention and seek professional medical advice if the symptoms persist. Schedule your consultation today with our eye specialists at Memorial Vision in Houston, Texas. Call us now at (281) 496-1635 for more information.