Double Vision
If you see two of what you are looking at when there is only one, this is called double vision, also referred to as diplopia. Double vision and blurred vision are not the same thing. In blurred vision, a single image appears unclear. In double vision, two images are seen at the same time, creating understandable confusion for anyone who has it.
What causes double vision?
A defect in the eye's optical system, caused by a cataract, can cause double vision. This defect causes light from an object to split into two images.
Failure of both eyes to point at the object being viewed can cause double vision. This condition is referred to as "strabismus" or "squint." The eyes are kept in focus by a balance of mechanisms in the brain, the brain stem, nerve centers, nerves that control innervations to muscles and muscles that are attached to the eyes. Diseases that affect these will cause double vision. These include vascular (stroke, arteriolosclerosis, hypertension, aneurysms), neurologic (multiple sclerosis), metabolic (diabetes), traumatic (fist fights), tumors (meningiomas), congenital (Brown's Syndrome), endocrine (thyroid disease) and infectious (abscess from bacteria, bruises or fungi) to name a few.
What is the treatment for double vision?
The treatment of double vision consists of diagnosing the cause if possible and treating it. Eye exercises aimed at re-aligning the squinting eye where possible without surgery may help. Surgical straightening of the eye may be needed. Prisms used in glasses or patching one eye in short term cases may also help.
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