Diplopia is the condition in which the patient sees double, or from one day to the next and sometimes gradually develops a double vision. However, spontaneous double vision can be a sign of a dangerous life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical intervention. What problems can cause double vision, what are the symptoms and how can diplopia be treated?

Double vision

• Normal vision, but not anymore!
• Causes of double vision
• Problems highlighted
• Diplopia and other symptoms
• Treating double vision

Normal vision, but not anymore!

When you open your eyes you will usually see a clear, sharp image. However, this may be disrupted, causing you to see double. Symptoms of double vision can be caused by a serious condition and should therefore be taken seriously. It can be caused by minor conditions, but also conditions that require immediate medical intervention. What causes double vision and how can it be treated?

Causes of double vision

Having a sharp image depends on a number of visual systems that must work together seamlessly. The brain must also process the information from the eyes correctly and translate it into an image. A disturbance in the following visual supporting parts of the eye can cause double vision:

• the cornea of the eye focuses the incoming light;
• the lens directs light into the retina;
• nerves send information from the eye to the brain via neurotransmitters, where the information is processed;
• muscles in the eye ensure that the eye can move.

All parts can have problems, which can cause double vision.

Problems highlighted

From the cornea to the brain, information can be distorted or misinterpreted. The following problems can cause double vision:

The cornea

The top layer of the eye may be deformed, causing a vision problem in only one eye. The distortion or damage distorts the light, causing the light to be incorrectly focused on the lens. This can be caused by a scratch on the cornea that causes the image to be different from one eye. Herpes rash, cold sores or shingles and dryness of the cornea can also be the cause.

Bundling light

The lens ensures that light is bundled. If a cataract occurs due to clouding of the lens of the eye, vision becomes poorer. Cataracts usually occur in both eyes and can vary in severity. Cataracts can be corrected with a minor procedure.

Eye muscle control

A weakened muscle makes an eye turn less efficiently and can be caused by Myasthenia gravis. This is a severe muscle weakness caused by a rare autoimmune disease. It can also be caused by Graves’ disease, which causes vertical double vision.

Signal transmission

Neurotransmitters send information from the eye to the brain. Multiple Sclerosis can damage the nerves of the eye. In addition, Sturge-Weber syndrome can cause progressive weakening of the body and diabetes can cause eye weakening.

Information processing

The brain must properly translate the information obtained through the neurotransmitters. Problems in the brain can be a stroke or cerebral infarction, a dilation of a vein in the brain, cerebral hemorrhage, or a brain tumor.

Diplopia and other symptoms

Double vision can occur independently without additional symptoms. In addition, double vision may be accompanied by other symptoms:

• painful rolling of the eyes and pain around the eyes;
• headache, dizziness and nausea;
• incorrect alignment of the eyes, weakness in the eyes or crossed eyes;
• heavy and drooping eyelids.

If you have new or spontaneous double vision, it is necessary to undergo a medical examination. There are many dangerous reasons why you may be seeing double . To find out what is going on, a blood test, physical test and possibly a scan of the head can be done. Your own information about a possible cause can also help the doctor.

Treating double vision

To treat double vision it is necessary to know what the underlying cause is. Weak eye muscles can be treated surgically, while a rare autoimmune disease such as Myasthenia gravis can be treated well with medication. Nowadays, cataracts can be repaired with minor eye surgery, after which both eyes can see clearly again. If there is diabetes, it can be treated well with insulin or medication. However, if there is a cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage or a brain tumor, the prospects are less favorable. In case of irreversible double vision, wearing an eye covering can offer a solution to reduce the effects.

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