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 the 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 that 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 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.

Your Optometrist In New Hyde Park Answers Your Questions About Diplopia

Diplopia is a double vision. Every doctor of optometry sees patients with diplopia nearly every day. Diplopia is usually an easily treatable condition, but there are some basics about therapy for the condition that Dr. Stuart Krasnoff, your optometrist at Village Optical in New Hyde Park, NY, wants you to know. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions from your eye doctor.

Is “Double Vision” Something You Experience In One Eye Or Both Eyes?

Diplopia can occur in just one eye or in both eyes. Monocular diplopia is double vision in just one eye. If you cover the bad eye, you will have normal vision in the good eye. Monocular diplopia is usually due to a problem in the eye itself. Binocular diplopia is double vision in both eyes. It is usually due to a problem with the optic nerve or in the brain. It’s more common to have double vision in both eyes than in just one eye.

What Causes Double Vision?

Your optometrist can usually easily determine the cause of monocular diplopia. Usually, the underlying problem is one of the following:

  • Severe astigmatism. Irregularities in the surface of your cornea, the outer layer of your eye, sends double images to the back of your eye.
  • Cataract. The lens of your eye slowly becomes opaque. This leads to cloudy vision and double vision.
  • Dry eye. Your eye isn’t making enough fluids, so the constant irritation makes it hard to focus.
  • Keratoconus. The surface of your cornea begins to form a cone, which distorts light coming through it.
  • Pterygium. A fleshy growth, which is not cancerous, that begins to grow over the surface of your cornea.

Binocular diplopia, double vision in both eyes, is usually a complication of diabetes, nerve damage, an autoimmune condition called myasthenia gravis, or cranial nerve palsy in adults. In children, double vision is most often caused by strabismus or crossed eyes.

Is Double Vision Something I Need To Get Treated Right Away?

When a double vision comes on suddenly, it is always a reason to make an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible, especially if it occurs in both eyes. You may need immediate care to prevent permanent loss of vision. However, even if you have symptoms in just one eye, it’s always a good idea to call your doctor of optometry.

Dr. Krasnoff At Village Optical In New Hyde Park, NY, Is Here To Help

Village Optical is here to help you maintain good vision. Everybody needs regular checkups with their optician with referrals for appropriate therapy as needed. Request An Appointment With Dr. Krasnoff At Village Optical Online, or call us at (516) 352-2316. Our offices are located at 1562 Union Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY, 11040​​​​​​​.