If you are experiencing any vision changes, it is always advisable to have it checked out, because it may indicate a serious problem. Abnormal eye conditions like double vision (diplopia) should never be ignored. When someone with double vision looks at a single object they see two images and not one. It is a condition that can affect one or both eyes. But what causes double vision and how can it be treated.
The 2 types of double vision are:
• Monocular Diplopia – This occurs when only one eye is open, and the double vision remains even if the other eye is covered.
• Binocular Diplopia – This occurs when both eyes are open. However, if one eye is covered, the double vision goes away.
Causes of Double Vision
Monocular diplopia is the result of a problem within the eye. It is often caused by eye conditions such as cataracts and astigmatism. It may also be caused by retinal problems, or a dislocated lens.
Binocular diplopia is generally caused by the misalignment of the eyes, due to issues relating to the eye muscles. This may be brought about by several factors including injury to the nerves that control the eye muscles, as well as health conditions such as diabetes and Graves’ disease.
Treatment
The treatment option for double vision is entirely dependent on the cause of the condition. For example, lens replacement surgery may be required for monocular diplopia caused by cataracts, because cataracts cloud the natural lens of the eye. Possible treatments for binocular diplopia include surgery on the eye muscles, or prescription eyewear.
If you are experiencing double vision, don’t hesitate to contact your ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination. Patients in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale can contact Dr. Michael Loeffler of the Center for Ophthalmology and Laser Surgery, Lighthouse Point, FL, by calling 954-786-5353.