Double vision, also known as diplopia, is a vision disorder in which a person perceives two images of a single object. This can occur with one eye (monocular diplopia) or both eyes (binocular diplopia).

​

1. Monocular Diplopia:

​

• This occurs even when one eye is closed.

​

• It can be caused by structural abnormalities of the eye, such as astigmatism, keratoconus, pterygium, or cataract.

​

• Monocular diplopia typically needs to be addressed by treating the underlying eye condition.

​

2. Binocular Diplopia:

​

• This occurs when both eyes are open but resolves when one eye is closed.

​

• It is often due to a misalignment of the eyes, where the eyes do not align properly, causing the brain to perceive two images instead of fusing them into one.

​

• Causes can include strabismus, nerve damage, muscle weakness, or problems with the brain, such as from a stroke or tumor.

​

• Treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause, prism glasses to realign the images, vision therapy to coordinate the eyes and the brain, or surgery in some cases.

​

Causes of Double Vision:

​

1. Neurological Issues:

   • Multiple sclerosis, strokes, or brain tumors can cause double vision by affecting the nerves that control the eye muscles.

2. Muscular Issues:

   • Conditions like myasthenia gravis affect the muscles controlling eye movement, leading to double vision.

3. Nerve Issues:

   • Conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, diabetes, or cranial nerve palsy can affect the nerves controlling the eye muscles, leading to double vision.

4. Eye Conditions:

   • Cataracts, refractive surgery complications, or irregularities in the cornea or lens can lead to double vision in one eye.

5. Trauma:

   • Injury to the eye, orbit, or brain can lead to double vision.

6. Graves' Disease:

   • This autoimmune disorder can cause swelling of the muscles and tissues around the eyes, leading to double vision.

​

Diagnosis and Treatment:

​

• A Binocular Vision Evaluation are necessary to diagnose the cause of double vision.

​

• Treatment options depend on the cause and may include prism glasses, vision therapy, or surgery. 

​