What is Double Vision (Diplopia)?
Double vision , or diplopia as it is medically known, is the condition in which a person sees a single object more than once. Coordination problems between the eyes, weakness of the eye muscles, nerve problems, eye diseases such as cataracts or head trauma are among the common causes of double vision. This condition can be a treatable problem, but it is important to see an ophthalmologist for a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms of double vision (diplopia)?
Double vision or diplopia may present with some distinct symptoms. These symptoms may include:
Appearance of Multiple Objects: A person perceives a single object as multiple. This condition is usually caused by mismatch between the eyes.
Headache: Double vision can cause headaches due to overwork or incompatible movement of the eye muscles.
Eye Pain or Discomfort: Abnormal functioning of the eye muscles can cause pain or discomfort in the eye.
Strabismus in the Eyelids: Weakness of the eye muscles can cause strabismus in the eyelids.
Double Vision Increased When Looking at a Particular Direction of the Head: Double vision usually increases when the head is turned in a certain direction or in a certain position.
Dizziness: The incompatible work of the eyes can sometimes cause dizziness.
What Causes Double Vision (Diplopia)?
Double vision is a condition that occurs as a result of the incompatible functioning of the eyes. This disharmony is usually caused by irregular functioning of the eye muscles or the nerves that control eye movements. Some factors that cause double vision:
Strabismus: If one or both eyes deviate from normal alignment, this condition is called strabismus. Strabismus can cause double vision problems.
Weakness or Spasm of the Eye Muscles: Irregular functioning of the eye muscles can make it difficult for the eyes to focus on each other.
Nervous System Problems: Problems with the nervous system that controls eye movements may cause double vision. Nerve injuries, tumors or nerve inflammations may cause this condition.
Cataract: If the natural lens inside the eye loses its transparency, cataract may occur. Cataracts can prevent light from focusing properly in the eye, leading to double vision problems.
Refractive Errors: Eye defects, especially conditions such as astigmatism, myopia or hypermetropia, can cause double vision problems.
Eye Inflammations or Infections: Inflammations or infections in the eye can prevent the normal functioning of the eye muscles, causing double vision problems.
How is Double Vision (Diplopia) Diagnosed?
During examinations to diagnose double vision, various tests are performed by an ophthalmologist or neurologist. These tests include eye examinations, eyeglass or lens examinations, eyelid and eye surface examinations. Eye movement tests and eye fundus examination are used to determine the cause of diplopia and evaluate neurological origins.
Additionally, eye movement tracking tests are important to evaluate eye coordination and neuromuscular control. The diagnostic process comprehensively evaluates the individual’s eye health and helps create the appropriate treatment plan by determining the underlying cause. Therefore, it is important for individuals experiencing double vision to consult a specialist ophthalmologist.
How to Treat Double Vision (Diplopia)?
When treating double vision problems, it is important to first determine the underlying cause. Treatment may vary depending on the cause of diplopia. Some methods used in the treatment of double vision:
Use of Glasses or Lenses: Refraction errors, that is, focusing problems of the eyes, are corrected by the use of glasses or lenses. This may be the solution to monocular diplopia problems.
Eye Exercises: In some cases, special eye exercises can be applied to increase the coordination of the eye muscles. This may include rehabilitation programs for strabismus or other eye muscle-related problems.
Eye Closing (Ocussion) Treatment: In cases of binocular diplopia, it may sometimes be necessary to temporarily close one eye. This can be used to send an accurate visual signal to the brain and correct double vision problems.
Surgical Intervention: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct eye muscles or address other eye problems. Surgery may be an option in cases of strabismus or other situations requiring eye surgery.
Treating Underlying Health Problems: Double vision can sometimes be caused by general health problems. In this case, treatment of the underlying health problem is a priority. For example, diabetes, thyroid problems, or nervous system disorders can cause double vision.
