What Should You Know About Diplopia and Its Treatment?

Are you experiencing sudden or gradual onsets of double vision and looking for the best eye hospital? Double vision means when a person sees two images of an object., it can indicate a serious health condition. In diplopia, a person sees double images displaced vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or rotating around an object. The underlying reason behind double vision can be as simple as weak eyesight to as severe as stroke. It is significant to consult a neuro-ophthalmologist near you to know the double vision causes and diplopia treatment.

What Are the Different Types and Causes Of Diplopia?

Monocular Diplopia

If double vision occurs in only one eye, it is known as monocular diplopia. Cornea damage can be one of the causes of monocular diplopia. Double vision can result from the uneven cornea in one of the eyes. Following eye conditions can lead to the damaged cornea and subsequently monocular diplopia.

• Keratoconus: The lining of the cornea turns thin and bulges like a cone causing double vision.
• Severe astigmatism: Irregular shape and curvature of the eye lead to double vision.
• Cataract: It turns the lens foggy and blurry, and eventually causes diplopia.
• Dryness: Not having enough fluid in the eyes can lead to itchiness, dryness, and vision problems.

Binocular Diplopia

If you encounter a double vision issue with both the eyes open, the condition is called binocular diplopia. Weak muscles can be responsible for diplopia. Muscles keep your eyes in alignment with each other. A weak muscle in one eye won’t allow it to move in sync with the other eye, causing double vision. Binocular diplopia can result from:

• A nerve issue: Nerves carry the information between the brain and the muscle. Nerve damage can hamper this communication, causing double vision.
• Graves’ disease: It is a result of an overactive thyroid gland that subsequently affects the eyes and causes vision problems.
• Multiple sclerosis: This disease affects the central nervous system, causing nerve malfunction.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes leads to nerve damage resulting in double vision.

Some brain conditions can also cause double vision. Sometimes diplopia is one of the accompanying symptoms of a serious brain condition such as stroke, aneurysms, tumors, or migraine.

What Are The Double Vision Symptoms?

Seeing double images for a single object is the first symptom of diplopia. Some other apparent double vision symptoms include:

• Wandering eye or cross-eyed look
• Pain in moving the eye
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness in muscles around the eyes

How to Diagnose and Treat Diplopia?

Successful diplopia treatment can only be ensured after diagnosing the underlying condition causing it. The ophthalmologist will run the following screenings to know the cause of double vision:

• Full Account Of Your Health Status  

The doctor will study your health history to know the cause of double vision. By studying your symptoms, considering the underlying health conditions, and your family history, the doctor will set a good starting point for investigation.

• Physical Examination

The doctor will run the blood tests, vision checks, eye movement tests, toxicity tests, and imaging tests to identify the possible cause of double vision.

By treating the underlying cause, the double vision can be corrected. Some of the most common diplopia treatments are listed below:

• Corrective Lens
• Eye Patch or cover
• Eye exercises
• Surgery

In most cases, diplopia is treated successfully by treating the related condition. Timely diagnosis and treatment can correct double vision.

When to See a Doctor?

Double images and blurred vision are not something to ignore. If you are experiencing vision issues, you must consult an ophthalmologist. Double vision can be a sign of an abnormality in your eyes, brain or nerves. Often, it is treated when addressed timely. To prevent permanent vision loss and nerve damage, you must see a doctor if you are experiencing any diplopia symptoms.

How to Prevent Double Vision?

There is no tested way to prevent double vision. Still, try practicing the following tips to avoid the onset of double vision:

• Injuries can lead to blurred and double vision. Practice wearing a seat belt while driving and use headgears while playing sports.
• Keep your diabetes in control to avoid nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels.
• Quit smoking.
• Give break to your eyes from looking at an electronic screen from time to time.

Are you looking for the “best eye hospital near me” to treat diplopia conditions? If yes, contact us at Netralayam. As a premium eye hospital in Kolkata, we offer compassionate care and treatment for various eye problems.