Double Vision – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

 Causes of Double Vision (Diplopia)

1. Strabismus and Eye Muscle Issues: Double vision often stems from misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), where the eye muscles fail to coordinate, leading to divergent images of the same object.

2. Refractive Errors: Conditions like astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness can cause double vision if corrective lenses are not prescribed or outdated.

3. Neurological Factors: Damage or impairment of the nerves controlling eye movements, as seen in cranial nerve palsies, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, or stroke, can contribute to double vision.

4. Ocular Conditions: Cataracts, clouding the eye’s lens, and dry eye syndrome, causing blurred vision, may result in double vision if left untreated.

5. Systemic Diseases: Diseases like diabetes can affect the nerves responsible for eye muscle control, potentially leading to double vision.

6. Trauma and Structural Damage: Head injuries, orbital fractures, or other trauma can damage eye structures, causing double vision.

Prompt consultation with an eye care professional is essential to diagnose the underlying cause accurately. Treatment may involve corrective lenses, eye exercises, or, in severe cases, surgical interventions tailored to the specific condition. Early intervention ensures better management of double vision and its associated conditions.