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5 causes for double vision or diplopia

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Written By: Dr Riddhi Shah | Updated : May 15, 2014 12:28 PM IST

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Double vision also called diplopia is a serious concern and should be attended to promptly. Problems with any part of the vision system can lead to double vision. If you encounter the problem, please do visit an eye doctor or an ophthalmologist immediately.

Cornea problems. Problems with the cornea often cause double vision in one eye only. Covering the affected eye makes the double vision go away. The abnormal surface of the eye distorts incoming light, causing double vision. Damage can happen in several ways:

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  • Infections of the cornea, such as herpes zoster, or shingles, can distort the cornea.
  • Corneal scars can alter the cornea, creating unequal visual images.
  • Dryness of the cornea can create double vision.

Lens problems. Cataracts are the most common problem with the lens that causes double vision. If cataracts are present in both eyes, images from both eyes will be distorted. Cataracts are often correctable with minor surgery.

Muscle problems. If a muscle in one eye is weak, that eye can't move smoothly with the healthy eye. Gazing in directions controlled by the weak muscle causes double vision. Muscle problems can result from several causes:

  • Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune illness that blocks the stimulation of muscles by nerves inside the head. The earliest signs are often double vision and drooping eyelids, or ptosis.
  • Graves' disease is a thyroid condition that affects the muscles of the eyes. Graves' disease commonly causes vertical diplopia. With vertical diplopia, one image is on top of the other.

Nerve problems. Several different conditions can damage the nerves that control eye muscles and lead to double vision:

  • Multiple sclerosis can affect nerves anywhere in the brain or spinal cord. If the nerves controlling the eyes are damaged, double vision can result.
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome is a nerve condition that causes progressive weakness. Sometimes, the first symptoms occur in the eyes and cause double vision.
  • Diabetes can lead to nerve damage affecting the muscles which move the eyes, causing double vision.

Brain problems. The nerves controlling the eyes connect directly to the brain where visual processing takes place. Many different causes for double vision originate in the brain. They include:

  • Strokes
  • Aneurysms
  • Increased pressure inside the brain from trauma, bleeding, or infection
  • Brain tumors
  • Migraine headaches

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Dr Riddhi Shah

Dr Riddhi Shah

Consultant at Bhojraj Chanrai Sankara Eye Hospital, Malad, ... Read More