When we open our eyes, we see things clear and sharp. Often, we take it for granted. Seeing an image occurs as a result of complex coordination. Our eyes and brain coordinate with each other to show us a single image. Double vision, also known as diplopia, is a condition in which you see a double image of something, which should be one actually. If you have this complaint, visit a top eye specialist in Karachi. There are two types of diplopia, monocular when it occurs in one eye, and binocular when it occurs in both.
What Are The Causes of Double Vision?
Double vision or diplopia can occur due to a variety of reasons. It may indicate a serious problem. Therefore, do not delay your visit to a healthcare provider if you see everything double. Certain illnesses, some medications, damage of nerves, any problem in the brain or eyes can be the cause of double vision.
Causes Of Binocular Double Vision
Binocular double vision mostly occurs due to squint or strabismus. These are the conditions in which the alignment of the eyes is disturbed. It mainly occurs in childhood. However, strabismus may not always lead to double vision.
Thyroid Issues
The thyroid gland is located in your neck. It produces a hormone called thyroxine, whose levels can affect the functioning of the eye. Thyroid activity can affect the external muscles of the eye.
Stroke
Stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack, is a condition that occurs when blood does not reach the brain. It may also affect nerves that control eye movement, hence causing diplopia.
Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a condition in which bulging out of a blood vessel occurs inside the brain. It can exert pressure on the nerves of the eye, hence causing diplopia.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects the nerves that control your eye movement as well as blood supply to the retina.
Myasthenia Gravis
Muscle weakness is a major complaint of patients with Myasthenia Gravis. Therefore, it can also affect the muscles of your eyes, causing a double vision.
Brain tumors
Brain tumors can exert pressure on your eye, as well as affect the optic nerve, hence causing double vision.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis causes damage to the central nervous system. Hence, it can cause double vision.
Head Injury
Any accident or external injury can cause damage to the muscles, nerves, or sockets of the eye, hence causing diplopia.
Causes Of Monocular Double Vision
Monocular double vision is one that occurs in one eye only. The following can be its causes.
Astigmatism
In this condition, the distortion of the image occurs due to irregularity in the cornea.
Keratoconus
The cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped in this condition.
Pterygium
It is a condition in which thickening of the conjunctiva- a thin layer over eyeballs occur.
Cataracts
In this condition, the lens becomes less transparent and cloudy. The risk factor for cataract is diabetes, smoking, long term steroid use, or age above 65.
Dry Eye
When your eye produces fewer tears than usual, or they dry out early, it can also cause double vision.
A Dislocated Lens
A lens dislocates when it moves out because ligaments that hold it break apart. It can occur due to any external injury or a health condition called Marfan’s syndrome.
Retinal Abnormalities
Any abnormality in the retina like macular degeneration in which the central vision of a person gradually fades.
A Swelling In The Eyelid
Swelling or mass in the eyelid may exert pressure on the eyes, eventually causing double vision.
What Are The Symptoms of Double Vision?
Along with seeing the objects double, you may have the following complain.
- Pain in the movement of eyes
- Headache
- Nausea
- Droopy eyelids
- Unaligned eyes, either one or both. Sometimes they may appear as wandering eyes or cross-eyed appearance.
What Are The Treatment Options For Double Vision?
For getting rid of diplopia, treatment of the underlying cause should be done. Like if it occurs due to astigmatism, glasses and contact lenses can help in this condition. Moreover, if it occurs due to dry eyes, then artificial tears, anti-inflammatory drops, and warm compress may help in getting rid of it. Diplopia occurring due to diabetes may get better if blood glucose levels are kept under control. In this way, treating the underlying cause helps in getting rid of double vision.
Conclusion
Diplopia may be a sign of some serious health condition. Therefore, get all the investigations done for the diagnosis of the underlying cause. Moreover, if you have a complaint of double vision, visit the best eye specialist in Karachi.
