Discover more about this symptom and next steps
Double vision – also called diplopia – will make you see two separate images of a single object. There are several different types of diplopia and many different causes. Sometimes, double vision can be a symptom of a serious underlying disease or condition. For that reason, if you encounter double vision at any time, you should make an appointment with an eye expert straight away.
In normal vision, the two separate images from each of your eyes are combined by the brain into one single image. Double vision occurs when the brain cannot combine the images from each of the eyes into a single image. This is usually because the images are not similar enough because of problems with the muscles or nerves that control precisely where each eye is looking.
There are two main types of double vision: binocular and monocular.
Binocular diplopia
Binocular diplopia is the most common type of double vision. It occurs when your eyes don’t align with each other as they normally would. Those with binocular double vision will find that covering either eye gets rid of the double image. A squint usually causes binocular double vision, but it could be a symptom of a much more serious medical condition if it occurs suddenly.
Diseases of the thyroid or arteries, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other serious conditions can cause double vision. It’s therefore essential to make an appointment with an eye specialist as soon as possible if you have double vision.
Monocular diplopia
Monocular diplopia is double vision in one eye only. It is much less common than binocular diplopia. If you have monocular double vision, only covering the affected eye will make the double image disappear. An abnormality usually causes monocular double vision within the eye. This could be a refractive error like astigmatism or a rare type of cataract. It can also be caused by abnormalities of the iris, lens, or fluid within the eye, and even dry eye.
Symptoms often include when you simultaneously see two separate images of the same object. In some cases, this double vision can be little more than a faint ‘ghost’ image, which is easily confused with blurred vision.
In other cases, you may experience symptoms where the images appear side-by-side, one above the other, or diagonally. Double vision makes it difficult to see objects at any distance. It particularly affects your spatial awareness and, therefore, your ability to drive. Children with double vision may frequently cover one eye, or they may tend to squint or turn their heads to see properly.
Your ophthalmologist will assess your eye movements to determine the cause of your double vision. We may also require a visual field test or OCT.
If you suffer from double vision, your treatment will depend on the type and cause of your diplopia. Treatment can be as simple as wearing an eye patch or special glasses or contacts.
Botox® injections or eyelid surgery can correct a squint that causes double vision. Similarly, a cataract operation may be necessary if a cataract is causing the problem. Or dry eye treatment may help if dry eye is the cause.
I have sudden onset double vision should I be worried?
Any sudden onset of double vision should be seen by your optometrist or a medical professional.
Can surgery help my double vision?
Yes, depending on the cause of the double vision.
Will glasses help with my double vision?
Possibly, depending on the cause of the double vision.
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Find out more about why you might be experiencing double vision and what could be the cause.
Double vision occurs when a person sees a double image where there should only be one. The two images can be side by side, on top of one another, or both.
The condition can affect balance, movement, and reading ability.
If double vision affects just one eye, it is monocular. If it affects both eyes, it is binocular. Treatments depend on the cause and type, but they include eye exercises, specially designed glasses, and surgery.
Temporary episodes of double vision can happen for many reasons, including drinking too much alcohol or being overly tired. This type of short-term double vision is usually not cause for worry.
But if the diplopia is long-lasting or keeps coming back, there could be other reasons for it.
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