Diplopia or double vision is a visual alteration that affects the way the brain processes images from the eyes. Instead of perceiving a single clear image, a person with diplopia sees two overlapping or separate images, either of the same object or in different parts of the visual field.
This condition can be temporary or permanent and may affect one or both eyes. The causes of diplopia are varied and include:
- Abnormal binocular alignment (strabismus): When the eyes are not properly aligned, they send slightly different images to the brain, which interprets them as two distinct images.
- Anterior segment disorders: Conditions such as cataracts, dry eye, keratitis, or eye trauma can alter the way light reaches the retina, causing diplopia.
- Oculomotor paralysis: The muscles that control eye movement can be affected by various factors such as stroke, diabetes, or myasthenia gravis, causing the eyes to move uncoordinatedly and resulting in double vision.
- Other causes: Diplopia can also result from factors such as eye strain, eye infections, eye tumors, or side effects of certain medications.
Symptoms of diplopia:
- Seeing two images of the same object,
- Blurred or distorted vision,
- Difficulty focusing,
- Eye strain,
- Eye or headache pain.
Treatment for diplopia:
The treatment for diplopia will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, correcting the eyes with lenses or prisms may be sufficient. However, in other instances, surgery, medication, or prism therapy may be necessary.
Prevention of diplopia:
Although not all causes of diplopia can be prevented, there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of experiencing it, such as:
- Having regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist
- Properly managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
- Protecting the eyes from injury with protective eyewear
- Following a healthy diet and avoiding smoking
