Are you experiencing vision issues due to double vision? Then be aware, it is a serious eye issue that usually makes reading small fonts and driving a motor vehicle difficult.
Scientifically known as Diplopia, double vision can be fixed with proper eye care, a doctor’s medication, and exercise. But before following the path to its cure, we need to find out what is actually causing it.
It could be caused by a previous eye injury, the presence of cloudy spots (cataracts) on the lens, or an underlying medical emergency.
Optometrist Calgary AB shares that two types of double vision are usually detected in patients. They are Monocular diplopia and Binocular diplopia.
Let’s discuss these two double-vision types in short.
They share that monocular diplopia is declared when a patient has a double-eye vision issue in one eye. The reason it happens is because of an issue in the optical system or due to any other irregularities inside. The reason may be cataracts, lens distortion or corneal scars which cause images to split even when the other eye is closed.
If you are experiencing monocular diplopia, you would perceive two images of the same object, even with one eye closed.
Binocular diplopia occurs when double vision is seen only when both eyes are open. It is usually caused by misalignment of the eyes, such as in strabismus or other eye coordination issues.
Do you know the major causes of double vision?
As you know, many veins, muscles, and delicate structures work together behind the eye to ensure clear vision. Although double vision is uncommon and can be caused by various factors, there are one or two common underlying conditions that may be responsible for its occurrence.
Below we have given a list of various causes of double vision:
Chronic muscle or nerve problems:
The human eye is controlled by the majority of six tiny muscles that make eye movement possible to gaze in different directions and focus on different products. Patients suffering from strabismus (cross-eyed) face difficulty correctly aligning their eye muscles. Due to this one of their eyes stops working properly and does not focus on the products or things where they need to and begins sending double images (superposed) to the brain.
Many cases of strabismus have been diagnosed in kids, but mostly it appears old due to other health issues such as diabetes which causes chronic eye muscle weakness.
Neurological issue
Another major cause of double vision can be a neurological disorder or brain injury. After all, each part of the body is connected to the human brain. Neurological issues such as brain tumours, migraine attacks, strokes and others can result in diplopia, which can be temporary depending on the condition of the neurological disorder.
Other common causes of double vision are:
Here’s a shuffled version of the list:
– Proptosis (bulging eyes)
– Head injuries
– Keratoconus
– Migraines
– Dry eye syndrome
– Abnormalities in your iris (the coloured part of your eye)
– Astigmatism
– Farsightedness (hyperopia)
– Nearsightedness (myopia)
– Cataracts
– Poorly-fitting glasses or contacts
– Cranial nerve issues
Precautions to follow when you see double
The reason for the double image is connected to the eye, so if you are facing diplopia the first thing you need to do is consult an eye doctor.
Schedule a full eye exam with an eye specialist. A thorough diagnosis will detect the major reason behind double vision, helping the eye specialist to prescribe you the best treatment.
In many cases, a complete eye exam is not enough so the patient needs to undergo advanced imaging tests which include a CT scan, MRI or other body organ tests. These tests are usually conducted on a patient suffering from monocular diplopia.
Best Practice to Prevent Diplopia
Preventive measures need to be followed, especially by old age people to prevent double vision. There are no special practices that you need to follow to prevent diplopia but taking care of your health and eye and visiting for an eye exam regularly is best to catch the double vision issue at an early age. Below are the things that you can follow for better eye health
- Avoid smoking
- Reduce digital screen time.
- Wear proper sunglasses or eyeglasses while working in front of a digital screen.
- Visit an eye specialist every six months.
Effective Solutions
The treatment for double vision depends on the reason for causing it. Your eye specialist will provide or suggest treatment accordingly.
In some cases, replacing old glasses or contact lenses is enough to end diplopia. Many times experts suggest covering one eye for a while as it will help you regain your usual eyesight.
Your eye care specialist will guide you on how to manage your symptoms, including eliminating diplopia.
Final Words!
Optometrist Calgary AB educates patients that double vision or diplopia can impact daily activities. They discuss that early diagnosis through eye exams and proper treatment guided by an eye care specialist can help manage or resolve symptoms.
