A Comprehensive Guide to Double Vision: When is It Serious?

Article Reviewed By: Dr. Shradha Goel

Table of Contents

Types of Double Vision:

Causes of Double Vision

When it should be considered serious

Treatments

Conclusion

Have you ever experienced the strange moment when you’re looking at something and suddenly see double? Like, there are two images of the same thing overlapping each other? 

It can be a puzzling occurrence that might make you wonder, “What’s up with my eyes, right?”

If this sounds familiar, you’re certainly not alone. This condition, double vision or diplopia, is more common than you might think. This issue is often temporary in many cases, but if it continues, it indicates that your eyes might need further examination.

But have you ever thought about why and what might be causing it? 

Then, let’s dive into the world of double vision, explore its types and causes, and find out when we should be concerned.

So, let’s first understand what is double vision or diplopia.

Double vision, also known as diplopia, is a visual condition where a person sees a single object as two separate images, which can appear side by side or overlap each other from different angles.

Most of the time, double vision goes away on its own. Sometimes, it’s just a sign that you need new glasses. But it can also point to more significant health problems, so if you start encountering double vision, it’s crucial to arrange an eye examination with a cornea specialist in Mumbai to understand better the cause of your double vision and how to treat it.

Types of Double Vision

There are two primary types of double vision, which are categorised based on their underlying causes:

Monocular Diplopia: 

In cases of monocular diplopia, individuals experience double vision when using one eye while keeping the other closed. This particular form of double vision often signals an underlying issue within the eye. Common causes encompass conditions affecting the cornea, lens, or retina, such as astigmatism, cataracts, or irregularities in the shape of the eye.

Binocular Diplopia: 

Binocular diplopia occurs when a person sees double images of a single object with both eyes open but disappears when one eye is closed. Usually, this type of double vision typically points to a misalignment or coordination problem between the two eyes. Common causes include muscle weakness or nerve damage that affects eye movement control. Conditions like strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes), cranial nerve disorders, or head injuries can lead to binocular diplopia.

Understanding the type of diplopia a person experiences is essential for effectively diagnosing and treating the underlying cause. Therefore, seeking professional medical evaluation is crucial if your double vision or diplopia persists.

Causes of Double Vision:

Various factors can cause double vision, and some of them are not too serious. Here are a few common causes:

• Eye Misalignment: Sometimes, your eye muscles may not work together correctly, causing misalignment and double vision. This can often be corrected with eyeglasses, eye exercises, or vision therapy.
• Fatigue: If you’re tired or have been staring at a screen for too long, your eye muscles can strain, leading to temporary double vision. In this case, resting your eyes usually helps.
• Nearsightedness or Farsightedness: Sometimes, uncorrected vision problems can result in double vision. Wearing the right prescription glasses or contact lenses can resolve this issue.
• Dry Eyes: Insufficient moisture in the eyes can cause temporary double vision. Using artificial tears can provide relief.

When it should be considered serious:

Experiencing diplopia can sometimes be harmless, but it can also hint at significant health concerns. If you consistently see double, especially with both eyes, you must consult a doctor. Some severe causes to be aware of include:

1. Stroke: If you suddenly see double and have other neurological symptoms, it might indicate a stroke. In such cases, you must seek immediate medical help.
2. Brain Injury: If you’ve suffered a head injury or have a brain condition, it could lead to diplopia. It’s crucial to have this evaluated by a healthcare expert.
3. Specific Medical Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis can be culprits behind your diplopia. These conditions need careful management and treatment.
4. Eye Conditions: Eye-related diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma can also lead to double vision. So, your regular eye check-ups and appropriate treatments are vital.

Always remember, it’s essential to listen to your body. If you’re uncertain about any symptoms, particularly concerning your vision, it is critical to consult with a professional.

Treatments

If you’re experiencing diplopia, it’s essential to understand that it can arise from various causes, so your treatment will hinge on identifying its root cause. Here are a few of the treatments for it,

Corrective Eyewear:
If your double vision stems from refractive errors, astigmatism, or related issues, glasses or contact lenses may be your solution. In some cases, special prism lenses can be incorporated into your glasses to merge the two images you see into one.

Eye Exercises:
For some types of double vision, eye exercises can be beneficial. These exercises aim to fortify the eye muscles and enhance eye coordination.

Surgery:
There might be situations where surgery becomes necessary, especially if your double vision results from issues with the muscles or nerves controlling your eyes, like strabismus. For instance, If cataracts are causing double vision in one of your eyes, cataract surgery in Mumbai might be a good option to solve the problem, and it also helps to get clearer vision.

Medications:

For certain causes of double vision, such as Myasthenia Gravis, medication can alleviate your symptoms. If diabetes is behind your double vision, keeping your blood sugar levels in check can help manage the symptoms.

Remember, if double vision is a concern for you, it’s vital to consult an ophthalmologist or neurologist. They can pinpoint the exact cause of your diplopia and guide you toward the most suitable treatment.

Bottom line

In most cases, double vision is a temporary and minor inconvenience. However, it’s essential to recognize persistent or sudden double vision, especially if it affects both eyes. It could be a warning sign of a more severe underlying issue.

If you are facing a double vision problem regularly, consider an examination at Arohi Eye Hospital. Here, we combine modern technology with the best medical minds to ensure you get top-tier care.

Renowned for our exceptional treatments, schedule your appointment today and get rid of your worries.