Understanding Double Vision
Village Optical in New Hyde Park offers a variety of optometry services including glasses and contacts. Our optometrist and optician care about your eyes. One of the scariest eye problems is diplopia otherwise knows as double vision. If you or a loved one is experiencing this frightening situation, let us help you understand and treat your condition. The answer may be as simple as therapy or corrective lenses but diagnosing early is important.
Types of Diplopia
There are two types of double vision: Monocular and Binocular. Each of these can be caused by several circumstances.
Monocular diplopia is the presence of double vision in only one eye. Here are the different reasons for this strain of vision:
- Astigmatism – The images you see are distorted due to a curvature of the cornea.
- Pterygium – A thin membrane grows on the inner area and whites of the eyes and then reaches to the cornea.
- Cataracts – A congenital or degenerative condition where the lens of the eye becomes thinner.
- Keratoconus – Affecting the lens of the eye, the cornea thins and grows into a cone shape.
- Swelling – Swelling can occur due to a mass or some irritation.
- Dislocation of the lens – Often caused by injury or less often a condition called Marfan's syndrome, the ligaments of the eye are broken causing the lens to become unstable.
- Dry eye – This can be caused by medications or working/playing in situations which dry out the eyes.
- Irregular growth – The lens of the eye grows unevenly.
Binocular diplopia occurs when there is double vision in both eyes. This phenomenon exists because of one of the following:
- Cranial nerve damage caused by infection, tumors, trauma, stroke or multiple sclerosis.
- Myasthenia gravis is a muscle weakness and fatigue illness.
- Thyroid malfunction affects vision especially when Grave's Disease is present.
- A stroke or transient ischemic attack can create a lack of blood flow to the brain or the eye nerves.
- Diabetes disease can contribute to double vision.
- Strabismus is a childhood event that affects the alignment of the eyes. Children should have regular check ups and those with misalignment of the eyes should see a doctor immediately.
- An aneurysm presses against the muscles of the eye.
- Eye injury or a black eye may cause double vision as well.
There are also some temporary circumstances that could create a case of double vision. These include being intoxicated with alcohol or drugs, medications, seizures, epilepsy or a concussion. You should see your optometrist if the vision confusion doesn't correct itself quickly.
Village Optical, located in New Hyde Park, offers optometry services including treatment and therapy for double vision. Our doctor and staff have the training and experience to help you diagnose and clear up your diplopia. Call us today at:(516) 352-2316.