About Double Vision or Diplopia

“Double vision, which we also refer to as diplopia, generally results from either a misalignment of your eyes or a structural problem with the part or parts of the eye that let light into it”, noted Samuel Solish, M.D. “There are two types of double vision. The first type is called binocular diplopia. The second type is referred to as monocular diplopia.”

Monocular diplopia can be differentiated from binocular diplopia by a simple test. If the double vision stops when you cover one eye, then you are suffering from binocular diplopia.  If the double vision persists even with one eye covered, that means you are experiencing monocular diplopia.

There are many different causes for diplopia. The problem can arise from the eyes themselves, the surrounding orbit, or the central nervous system. Causes of double vision include corneal infections or scars, cataract, eye muscle weakness from thyroid problems, nerve damage from diabetes or multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disease such as myasthenia gravis, brain tumors or aneurysms, strokes, head trauma, orbital trauma, direct eye trauma and even migraine headaches.

 

Double vision can occur by itself with no other symptoms. However, depending on the cause other symptoms may be present with diplopia that can include:

• Droopy Eyelids
• Pain with Eye Movements
• Headache
• Nausea
• Misalignment of one or both eyes causing a "wandering eye" or "cross-eyed" appearance
• Weakness of the other muscles in your body  

“Double vision that's new or unexplained requires urgent medical attention. With so many potentially serious causes for diplopia, it's important to discover the reason without delay”, said Dr. Solish. A thorough history and physical examination are critical to localizing a disease process and guiding further tests and studies to identify and treat the cause. If you or someone you know experiences double vision, it is important that they schedule an appointment for an examination. To learn more about Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you can call us at 888-374-2020, visit www.eyecaremed.com or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup.

Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.