Double vision, also known as diplopia, is a visual disturbance where you see two images of a single object. This can affect one or both eyes and can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, or walking challenging and even dangerous. At Belson & Son Opticians, we understand the concern and confusion double vision can cause. This blog post will explore the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for double vision, emphasising the importance of seeking professional eye care.
What Causes Double Vision?
Double vision can arise from various underlying issues, affecting different parts of the visual system. Some common causes include:
- Eye Muscle Problems: The muscles that control eye movement need to work in perfect coordination. If one or more of these muscles are weak or misaligned, it can lead to double vision. This can be caused by conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes), or neurological issues.
- Refractive Errors: Uncorrected refractive errors, such as astigmatism, can sometimes contribute to double vision, especially if they are significant or uneven.
- Cataracts: Cataracts, the clouding of the eye's lens, can distort light entering the eye, potentially causing double vision, glare, and blurred vision.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Severe dry eye can affect the surface of the eye, leading to blurry or double vision that fluctuates.
- Neurological Conditions: Double vision can be a symptom of more serious neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or brain aneurysm. These conditions affect the nerves that control eye movements or the brain's ability to process visual information.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels that supply the nerves controlling eye muscles, leading to double vision.
- Thyroid Eye Disease: This condition, often associated with thyroid problems, can cause inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles, leading to double vision.
Symptoms of Double Vision:
The most obvious symptom is seeing two images of a single object. Other symptoms that may accompany double vision include:
- Eye pain
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Difficulty focusing
- Droopy eyelid
- Misalignment of the eyes
When to See an Optician:
If you experience double vision, it's crucial to consult an eye care professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, especially if the double vision is sudden or accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
At Belson & Son Opticians, our experienced optometrists will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause of your double vision. This may include:
- Visual acuity tests
- Eye muscle function tests
- Refraction tests
- Slit-lamp examination
- Neurological assessment
Treatment for double vision depends on the underlying cause. Some options include:
- Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: Correcting refractive errors can sometimes resolve double vision.
- Prism Lenses: Prism lenses can bend light in a way that helps align the two images into one.
- Eye Muscle Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct misaligned eye muscles.
- Treatment for Underlying Medical Conditions: If the double vision is caused by a medical condition like diabetes or multiple sclerosis, treating the underlying condition is crucial.
Belson & Son Opticians: Your Partner in Eye Health
If you're experiencing double vision, don't hesitate to contact Belson & Son Opticians. We're dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care and helping you maintain healthy vision. Schedule your appointment today for a thorough eye exam and personalised treatment plan.