Posted: April 9, 2019
If you see two images instead of one, then you’re likely experiencing double vision. The images may appear side by side, stacked on top of each other, or both. This vision problem, which is also known as diplopia, can disrupt your balance, make you feel nauseous, and get in the way of daily tasks such as reading.
In some cases, double vision can signal a serious underlying medical issue. However, several treatable eye conditions can also cause diplopia. Keep reading to learn more about double vision and the treatment options here at Griffin & Reed Eye Care.
Binocular Double Vision vs. Monocular Double Vision
Double vision can occur in one or both eyes. If it only affects one eye, it’s known as monocular double vision. If it affects both eyes, it’s binocular.
Try looking around with both eyes open, and then cover one eye at a time. If the dual images go away with either eye covered, you likely have monocular double vision.
Typically, monocular diplopia is caused by an issue within the eye itself. On the other hand, binocular diplopia is generally caused by a range of underlying brain, nerve, or muscle conditions such as:
- Misaligned eyes, known as strabismus
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Diabetes
- Black eye
- Head injury
This list isn’t meant to alarm you. However, it’s important to seek medical care right away for new or unexplained double vision.
Eye Conditions That Can Cause Double Vision
Several eye conditions can cause monocular diplopia. Our highly experienced ophthalmologists can determine the source of your visual issues during your comprehensive eye exam.
Monocular double vision can be caused by:
- Astigmatism: If you have astigmatism, it means that your eye isn’t perfectly round. In other words, your eye is likely shaped more like a football than a soccer ball. This shape affects the way that your eyes bend light.
Astigmatism can cause things to look blurry, wavy, or doubled. Blade-free, all-laser LASIK can treat various degrees of astigmatism to give you clearer vision. At Griffin & Reed Eye Care, we proudly offer 20/20 Vision From Your LASIK Surgery Or Your Money Back to qualified patients.
- Cataracts: The lens that covers your eye is normally clear. However, a cataract can develop on this lens and turn it cloudy. Cataracts often cause issues such as blurry vision, faded colors, and halos around lights. Double vision can also be a symptom of cataracts. This visual complication can usually be fixed with cataract surgery, which is different than LASIK surgery.
- Dry eye: When you blink, tears spread across the surface of your eye and provide lubrication. If you don’t produce enough high-quality tears, you likely have dry eyes.
You may experience irritation as well as gritty or burning sensations. More severe dry eye can cause vision problems such as diplopia. Our ophthalmologists can help find the best way to manage your dry eyes.
- Keratoconus: In rare cases, your cornea can become thin and develop an irregular cone shape. This vision problem is known as keratoconus. It can cause double vision as well as other issues such as blurred vision and sensitivity to light. While individuals with keratoconus are not ideal LASIK candidates, the right type of contact lenses can often correct double vision.
Schedule a Consultation if You’re Seeing Double
Our ophthalmologists can identify the cause of your monocular double vision and explain your available treatment options. Call 916-485-2020 to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from across Northern California at our convenient Sacramento and Roseville locations.
