Diplopia

  • Diplopia or double vision is an impairment of vision which results in a single object appearing as a double object. The two images of an object may appear horizontally, vertically, diagonally or rotationally in relation to each other.
  • It is result of impaired function of extraocular muscle in which both eyes are functional but cannot turn the target to desired object. It is the result of any underlying condition and may be first signs of a systemic disease.
  • There are two types of diplopia; monocular and binocular. In monocular diplopia, only one eye is affected whereas both eyes are affected in binocular diplopia.
  • Monocular diplopia may be due to cataract, dry eye, corneal shape changes and irregular shape and curvature of eye. Binocular diplopia may be due to nerve damage, diabetes, Grave’s disease, myasthenia gravis and strabismus (crossed eyes).
  • Sometimes, diplopia may be temporary due to alcohol intake or head injury. It may be side effect of various drugs like opioid or benzodiazepine, antiepileptic drugs like phenytoin, anticonvulsants like lamotrigine and hypnotic drugs like zolpidem.
  • Diplopia is something abnormal going on with our eyes, brain or nervous system. The causes may be easily correctable or something more complicated such as chronic disease.
  • Some people with double vision may suffer from nausea or vertigo due to altered field of vision. Some may experience light sensitivity or sound sensitivity.
  • Diagnosis includes reviewing health history of patient and his family, eye movement tests, toxicity tests, blood test (for any infection), imaging test including CT scan or MRI.
  • The treatment includes cause of condition producing the symptoms. Other treatment options are using corrective lenses, eye patch or cover on alternative eyes, eye exercises and surgery.