Diplopia, commonly known as double vision, is a condition where an individual perceives two images of a single object. These images can appear side by side, on top of each other, or both. Diplopia can affect one eye (monocular) or both eyes (binocular). Monocular diplopia persists even when one eye is closed and often results from structural issues within the eye itself. In contrast, binocular diplopia disappears when one eye is closed and is usually due to misalignment or coordination problems between the two eyes. The causes of diplopia vary widely depending on whether it is monocular or binocular. Monocular diplopia may be caused by conditions affecting the cornea, lens, or retina, such as cataracts, astigmatism, dry eyes, or retinal abnormalities. Binocular diplopia is commonly associated with issues that disrupt the alignment of the eyes, such as strabismus, nerve damage (like in cranial nerve palsies), or muscle disorders (like myasthenia gravis). Other causes include brain injuries, tumors, strokes, or multiple sclerosis, which can affect the nerves or areas of the brain responsible for eye movement coordination.
Treatment for diplopia depends on its underlying cause. Monocular diplopia often requires treating the specific eye condition, such as using corrective lenses for astigmatism, surgery for cataracts, or lubricating drops for dry eyes. Binocular diplopia treatments aim to restore proper eye alignment and function. This may include prism glasses, which adjust the way light enters the eyes to improve image alignment, eye muscle exercises, or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention to correct muscle or nerve problems. If diplopia is caused by systemic conditions such as diabetes or neurological disorders, managing these conditions effectively is crucial. A comprehensive eye examination and possibly imaging studies are needed to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment plan for diplopia.
