Double Vision: Causes and When to Get Help

It can be unsettling to see double. You may look at something and notice two images instead of one, either all the time or just occasionally. Double vision, or diplopia, is not a disease itself but a sign of another problem. Here’s what can cause it and when you should seek help.
 

What Is Double Vision?

With double vision, a single object appears as two separate images. These images can appear next to each other, one on top of the other, or at an angle. Sometimes, one image is sharp, while the other appears as a shadow or ghost.

Eye doctors divide double vision into two main types. Monocular diplopia happens when you still see double even if one eye is closed. This type is usually caused by an issue inside the eye, such as astigmatism or a cataract, and is often less serious.

Binocular diplopia occurs when you see double with both eyes open, but the double vision disappears if you cover either eye. This means your eyes are not working together properly. It can be caused by problems with how your eyes move or line up. This type is more serious and may be related to problems with muscles, nerves, or the brain.
 

Common Causes of Double Vision

• Astigmatism or cataracts can distort or cloud the light entering your eye, causing images to split.
• Dry eyes may lead to temporary ghosting, especially late in the day when your eyes feel tired.
• Corneal scars from past injuries or infections can disrupt the smooth surface of your eye.
• Thyroid eye disease affects the muscles around your eyes, making it hard for them to stay aligned.
• Strabismus, or misaligned eyes, prevents both eyes from pointing at the same spot.
• Diabetes can damage the nerves that control eye movement, leading to sudden double vision.
• Multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis interferes with nerve signals or muscle strength around the eyes.
• Migraines often cause temporary double vision that clears up when the headache passes.
• Strokes, aneurysms, or brain tumors can press on or damage the areas of the brain that control vision.
• Head injuries may damage the muscles, nerves, or brain tissue involved in clear vision.
• With giant cell arteritis, arteries near the temples get inflamed and may not deliver enough blood to the eyes.
• Certain medications list double vision as a possible side effect.

When to Get Help

If you start having double vision, you should see a doctor. In some cases, you need emergency care right away.

Go to the emergency room if double vision comes with:

• Sudden, severe headache that feels unlike any headache you have had before.
• Dizziness or trouble walking that makes you feel unsteady on your feet.
• Weakness on one side of the body that affects your arm, leg, or face.
• Slurred speech or struggling to find the right words.
• Confusion or feeling disoriented.
• A drooping eyelid that comes on suddenly.
• Eye pain that is new or getting worse.

These symptoms could be signs of a stroke, aneurysm, or another serious problem. Get help right away. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away.

If you are concerned about double vision, call Texas State Optical Bandera in San Antonio at (210) 417-4177 to schedule an eye exam and get answers about your vision health.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22203-diplopia-double-vision

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/eyes-and-vision/double-vision/causes.html