Also known as diplopia, double vision is a vision issue that causes a person to see two images where there should only be one. Often used for comedic effect in cartoons, double vision is actually a very serious condition that requires specific treatment.
What is Diplopia, and Why Does it Happen?
Double vision has one simple symptom: the tendency to see two images of one single object, either constantly or occasionally. It can impact different patients in various ways. Some double vision affects just one eye, which is known as monocular diplopia, while some double vision exists in both eyes. Monocular diplopia might form because of an astigmatism, dislocated lens, swelling in the eyelid, dry eye, or retinal problems. Binocular diplopia, on the other hand, occurs in both eyes due to misalignment and stops if one eye is covered up. A myriad of problems can cause binocular diplopia, particularly issues that affect one or more of the muscles around the eyeball that control the direction of the eye’s gaze. These include strabismus, damage to nerves, and even diabetes. Other major health conditions like head injury, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, and stroke have also been known to cause diplopia. Read More →