Double Vision
Diplopia is another word meaning double vision.
It may seem obvious but double vision is seeing two of the same object and not blurred vision. Causes for this include poor fitting spectacles, unevenness of the surface of the eye (Cornea), cataract formation and disturbance of the retina (light sensitive part of the back of the eye). Double vision otherwise comes from the two eyes not being in the correct alignment.
As general rule, if it is coming from the two eyes in an on / off nature then the likely diagnosis if that of a squint which has been ‘hidden' for many years now showing itself. It may be more obvious when tired or unwell. This may be able to be corrected with new spectacles, eye exercises and prisms attached to the spectacles.
If the double vision is there all the time clues to the cause can be found in a detailed history of possible trauma, other illness such as thyroid problems, speed on onset and whether the second image is above / below or side-by-side. As Double Vision can be part of a more generalised problem it is important that it is correctly identified.
The treatment of diplopia very much depends on the cause. Blood tests, x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and some other tests can help find out.
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| B08000603 |
