Diplopia, what causes it and how it is treated
Diplopia
Diplopia or Double Vision is exactly like it sounds! It is when you see two images of the same thing. It is possible to have this issue in just one eye or both at the same time. If you only have it happening in one eye, the exact term for it is Monocular Diplopia.
Monocular Diplopia can be caused by issues with your cornea or your eye lens. The cornea could have been damaged by something and may be uneven. The lens of your eye helps to focus light into your retina, if this is damaged it could be a sign of cataracts and can be fixed with surgery.
Double vision in both eyes, Binocular Diplopia could be caused by your muscles or your nerves.
There are a couple of underlying factors that can affect your eye muscles, but if one eye is a bit weaker than the other, when you try to look in the direction controlled by that eye it won’t move in unison with the other and will cause double vision.
The nerves in your eye are what sends information to your brain. Some underlying issues with your nerves could include:
- Diabetes
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Trauma to the head
Symptoms
While the most obvious symptom is seeing double…knowing how to recognize the other possible symptoms is important. Some common symptoms of diplopia are:
- Pain when moving your eye
- Eye’s not lining up
- Headache
- Nausea
- Droopy eyelids
- Pain around your eyes
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, they could be connected to any number of underlying conditions, so it is best to make an eye appointment as soon as possible.
Your doctor will possibly need to run blood tests, perform a physical exam, or maybe even an imaging test. Once you have seen a doctor, they will be able to identify the cause and come up with the best treatment method for you.
Prevention
In some cases, this issue would not be preventable. In a circumstance where it is preventable, there are some things you can do to protect your eyes for the future. If you don’t have a serious underlying condition some things you can:
- Always wear your seatbelt in the car
- Use protective goggles while playing sports
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control
The good news is, 70% of diplopia cases get better with medication or surgery. Once your doctor can find the root cause, they will help you come up with treatment options that work for you.
If you are experiencing Diplopia, be sure to call us at TriCounty Eye Associates to make an appointment. We are invested in your eye health and want to be there with you every step of the way!