“Double vision, which we also refer to as diplopia, generally results from either a misalignment of your eyes or a structural problem with the part or parts of the eye that let light into it,” noted Birmingham Ophthalmologist Tyler Hall, M.D. “There are two types of double vision. The first type is called binocular diplopia. The second type is referred to as monocular diplopia.”
Monocular diplopia can be differentiated from binocular diplopia by a simple test. If the double vision stops when you cover one eye, then you are suffering from binocular diplopia. If the double vision persists even with one eye covered, that means you are experiencing monocular diplopia.
There are many different causes for diplopia. The problem can arise from the eyes themselves, the surrounding orbit, or the central nervous system. Causes of double vision include corneal infections or scars, cataract, eye muscle weakness from thyroid problems, nerve damage from diabetes or multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disease such as myasthenia gravis, brain tumors or aneurysms, strokes, head trauma, orbital trauma, direct eye trauma and even migraine headaches.
Double vision can occur by itself with no other symptoms. However, depending on the cause other symptoms may be present with diplopia that can include:
- Droopy Eyelids
- Pain with Eye Movements
- Headache
- Nausea
- Misalignment of one or both eyes causing a "wandering eye" or "cross-eyed" appearance
- Weakness of the other muscles in your body
“Double vision that's new or unexplained requires urgent medical attention. With so many potentially serious causes for diplopia, it's important to discover the reason without delay”, said Dr. Hall. A thorough history and physical examination are critical to localizing a disease process and guiding further tests and studies to identify and treat the cause.
If you or someone you know experiences double vision, it is important that they schedule an appointment for an examination. Please feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision to schedule an appointment.
