Double Vision (Diplopia)

Double vision or Diplopia is the perception of seeing two images of a single object. The images are seen adjoining one another (horizontal, vertical, or obliquely) or the images overlap.

Double vision can be classified into:-

• Monocular double vision occurs when double images are perceived in one eye
• Binocular double vision when each eye sees a single image when tested alone but sees a double image when both eyes are open.

Symptoms

Symptoms of double vision can be identified easily. The symptoms of diplopia are:-

• Two images are adjacent or the images overlap.
• Double visions sometimes occur in specific circumstances – you may be looking at an object near you or a distance or in a particular direction.
• Double vision can vary through the day and be more pronounced when you are tired or exhausted. Double vision can vary when you blink.
• Other symptoms can include blurred vision, dizziness, and nausea.

Book an ophthalmologist in Mumbai if you are experiencing double vision. It may be a symptom of a more serious problem.

Cause

The cause of double vision depends on the type of double vision:-

Monocular double vision occurs when you see double images in one eye. The double vision continues even when the other eye is covered. Double vision persists if you look are looking in a different direction. Monocular double vision is caused by:-

• Astigmatism is when there an abnormal curvature of the surface of the cornea.
• Keratoconus occurs when the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped.
• Pterygium is the thickening of the cornea.
• Cataracts are a condition when your lens becomes less transparent.
• A dislocated lens occurs when your lens breaks or moves out of place.
• Swelling of the eyelid.
• Dry eye or when your eye does not produce enough tears.
• Retinal problems occur when your retina is not completely smooth.

Binocular double vision is due to the misalignment of the eyes. The double vision stops when one eye is covered. The problem with the extraocular muscles (muscles around the eyeball controlling direction) can cause binocular double vision. Possible causes for binocular double vision are:-

• Strabismus or eye misalignment is seen in children below 6 years.
• Damage to nerves controlling the extraocular muscles due to a stroke, multiple sclerosis, head trauma, or tumors.
• Diabetes can damage the nerves that control your eye muscles.
• Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular illness that can cause body muscles from becoming weak.
• Graves Disease is caused by an overactive thyroid.
• Trauma to the eye muscles occurs when your eye socket gets damaged due to facial trauma.

Diagnosis

The best ophthalmologist in Mumbai will start by reviewing your medical history. During your medical history, the doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms such as whether the condition was gradual or sudden, the duration, frequency of the problem (constant or intermittent), if fatigue aggravates the condition and direction of the gaze when the problem becomes more pronounced. They will note down any associated symptoms with double vision and any other eye problems that you may have.

The ophthalmologist near me will conduct a thorough eye examination. They will assess your eye health including measuring the vision in each eye to evaluate if you have monocular or binocular double vision. The eye alignment in various head positions will be determined. Some eye tests may include dilating the eye.

They may order the following tests:-

• MRI Scan
• Blood tests at home
• Neurological Examination

Treatment

The best ophthalmologist in Mumbai will treat double vision depending on the cause of the problem.

• Diplomia for refractive eye problems astigmatism can be treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Medication may be prescribed for dry eyes.
• Corneal irregularities can be treated with eye surgery or laser surgery.
• In some cases treating diplomia may be treated by treating the underlying cause.
• Diplomia may need urgent emergency treatment in cases such as stroke.

Pap test or Pap smear is an examination carried out to determine if a woman has cervical cancer.