Diagnose Diplopia Early At Village Optical
One of the scariest eye problems is diplopia, otherwise known 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.
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.
There are two types of double vision: Monocular and Binocular. Each of these can be caused by several circumstances.
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.
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.
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.