Double Vision (Diplopia)

Double vision, also formally known as diplopia, can happen for a variety of different reasons. While diplopia can be diagnosed by a medical or eye care professional, it is important that patients also understand the underlying cause of the diagnosis as well as treatment options. The most common symptom of double vision is the patient seeing two distinct images when there should be one. However, other symptoms of double vision include blurred vision, strained vision, or the patient seeing a shadow image or ghost image. Patients may notice their double vision is worse when viewing at different distances (near or far) or viewing in different gazes (looking up, down, or to the sides). Also, diplopia may be worse depending on the time of day, whether or not the patient is tired, or what the patient is doing (driving, reading, or computer work etc.).

If you or a loved one are experiencing double vision, a Neuro-Vision Evaluation conducted by a Neuro Optometrist is the only means of getting a clear and accurate diagnosis. If you’re interested in better understanding the seriousness and severity of the symptoms you or a loved one are experiencing, we encourage you to take our Vision Symptom Quiz.

Typically, double vision occurs as a result of a binocular vision disorder. A binocular vision disorder occurs when the brain is not teaming or coordinating the eyes to work together properly. Double vision can result from the eyes physically not pointing at the same point in space as a result of a convergence problem or an eye turn (strabismus). Convergence problems are very common amongst both children and adults with binocular vision dysfunctions. Double vision can also occur when the brain struggles to blend the two images together that are being perceived between each eye. A comprehensive binocular vision examination from a neuro-optometrist can isolate the cause or causes of double vision.

The best treatment for double vision starts with finding the correct care provider. A neuro-optometrist who specializes in binocular vision dysfunction will be able to assess, diagnose, and treat both the symptoms and underlying cause of double vision. Treatment can include proper glasses or contact lens correction, prism glasses, and/or active vision therapy. Our goal at NVTI is to help patients reduce their symptoms to make daily function more comfortable while also treating the underlying cause of a binocular vision dysfunction by training the brain how to coordinate the eyes properly.