What Causes Double Vision?
Double vision, also known as diplopia, makes you see two images of a single object. This occurs because your eyes aren't working together properly to focus on the same point. Several factors can contribute to this condition, ranging from minor eye issues to serious neurological problems.
Double vision can stem from various sources, broadly categorized as:
Eye-Related Causes:
- Muscle Imbalance (Strabismus): Problems with the eye muscles or nerves can misalign your eyes, causing double vision. This is common in cases where the double vision affects both eyes and often resolves when one eye is closed. [Source: NHS, NYU Langone Health]
- Astigmatism: This refractive error, where the cornea is irregularly shaped, can contribute to double vision. [Source: Stanford Health Care]
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's lens can also cause double vision. [Source: Brigham and Women's Hospital]
- Retinal Problems: Issues with the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, can affect clear vision and lead to double vision. [Source: Brigham and Women's Hospital]
Neurological Causes:
These are often more serious and require immediate medical attention. They include:
- Myasthenia Gravis: An autoimmune disease affecting voluntary muscle control, causing weakness and double vision as an early symptom. [Source: WebMD, Provided Reference]
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A neurological disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to double vision as a symptom. [Source: Provided Reference]
- Brain Tumor or Aneurysm: These can disrupt the nerves controlling eye movement, resulting in double vision. Long-term smoking can increase the risk of a brain aneurysm leading to double vision. [Source: Provided Reference]
- Stroke: Damage to the brain from a stroke can impair the nerves controlling eye movement. [Source: Provided Reference, Stanford Health Care]
- Giant Cell Arteritis: This inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels, including those supplying the eyes, can cause double vision. [Source: Provided Reference]
Other Potential Causes:
- Head Injuries: Trauma to the head can affect the nerves and muscles controlling eye movement.
- Certain Medications: Some medications can have double vision as a side effect.
Diagnosing Double Vision
A comprehensive eye exam and neurological evaluation are essential to pinpoint the cause of double vision. Doctors use various tests to determine the underlying issue and recommend appropriate treatment. [Source: NYU Langone Health]
