Diplopia: Understanding Double Vision

Diplopia, commonly known as double vision, is a condition where a single object appears as two images. The two images may appear side by side, one above the other or slightly tilted.

Double vision can occur occasionally or constantly and may affect one eye or both eyes.

How does double vision affect vision?

For comfortable single vision, both eyes need to be properly aligned so that they are looking at the same point. The brain then combines the images from both eyes into one clear image.

When the eyes are misaligned or unable to work together properly, the brain may receive two images that it cannot fuse into one. This can result in double vision.

Double vision can also occur in one eye alone, which may be related to problems affecting the way light enters or focuses within the eye, such as certain corneal or lens conditions.

What are the common symptoms?

You may experience:

· Seeing two images of a single object

· Images appearing side by side, above one another or diagonally

· Blurry or fluctuating vision

· Eye strain or tired eyes

· Headaches

· Difficulty focusing

· Difficulty judging depth or distance

Some people may notice that covering one eye causes the double vision to disappear. This can help indicate whether the double vision is related to how the two eyes are working together.

What can cause double vision?

Double vision can have several possible causes, including:

· Eye misalignment, such as tropia or phoria

· Problems affecting the eye muscles or nerves

· Refractive errors or certain corneal and lens conditions

· Other underlying eye or health conditions

Because double vision can have different causes, a proper assessment is important to determine why it is occurring.

How is double vision managed?

Management depends on the underlying cause of the double vision.

Treatment may include:

· Prescription glasses

· Prism lenses

· Vision therapy

· Treatment for underlying eye or health conditions

· Surgery

An eye examination can help assess your vision, eye alignment and binocular function to determine the most appropriate management.

See clearly and comfortably

If double vision develops suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.

Visit us for an eye examination and speak with our team about any concerns with double vision or how your eyes are working together. We can assess your vision and binocular function and advise you on the appropriate next steps.

Clear, comfortable vision starts with understanding how your eyes work together.