Double vision

Double vision is when a person sees two images of the same object instead of one. There are two types of double vision, monocular and binocular. In monocular double vision, only one eye is affected. A person sees double images only when the unaffected eye is covered. Binocular vision is different because both eyes are working together. In this form, the double vision disappears if either eye is closed and the opened eye is tested by itself.

Many health problems can cause double vision. Some of the conditions associated with double vision include:

• diabetes
• myasthenia gravis
• early cataract
• misalignment of the eyes
• brain tumor
• trauma to the muscles of the eye socket
• swelling in the eyelid
• dry eyes
• retinal surgery
• multiple sclerosis
• Graves disease
• brain injury and
• facial fractures

Symptoms for an adult are easy to pinpoint. Adults can give a clear picture of what is happening with their sight. A child is a different story. Children may not be able to express what is wrong. Parents need to take notice if their child is squinting or frequently covering one eye with a hand. Other normal reactions that children have when they have double vision is turning their head abnormally or looking sideways instead of face forward.

The duration and the prevention of double vision are linked to the cause. Most forms of double vision cannot be prevented. Safety precautions to lower the risk of double vision caused by trauma to the head include wearing protective goggles and headgear for sports and high-risk occupations. It is also important to wear a seat belt with a shoulder harness while driving. Diabetics have less of a chance of developing double vision if they keep their blood sugars under control.

Treatment consists of eye exercises or surgical straightening of the eye. Sometimes there is a combination of both. The goal is aimed at realigning the eye when possible without having to have surgery and stimulating the part of the visual pathway to the brain, which is not working correctly.

Call your healthcare provider immediately if there is a sudden change in vision or if you have problems seeing clearly.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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