The most common reason for double vision is astigmatism, a refractive error caused by abnormalities affecting the lens and/or cornea. People with nearsightedness or farsightedness are often co-diagnosed with astigmatism, which is easily corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Other reasons for double vision include keratoconus, dry eye syndrome, cornea scarring or cataracts. Weak eye muscles unable to coordinate eyes properly may also cause double vision. Diabetic neuropathy severe enough to damage nerves that control eye muscles may also produce double vision.
Double vision requires immediate attention from your optometrist, especially if it occurs suddenly when no previous double vision issues existed. During your eye exam, your optometrist will ask you when double vision started, if you were recently in a car accident and if you have other symptoms accompanying double vision (headaches, dizziness, eye pain).
If your eye doctor determines your double vision is due to refractive errors, you will be given vision tests and a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Diabetic retinopathy responsible for double vision is treated by regulating blood glucose levels and getting frequent eye exams from an optometrist.
When eye muscle weakness or nerve damage is suspected, your optometrist may urge you to see your medical doctor for a complete physical examination to rule out silent stroke or neurological disorders. Eye muscle weakness that is not neurological may be treated by having the person wear an eye patch over the good eye to help strengthen muscles in the weaker eye.
Double vision due to keratoconus (abnormal, cone-like shape of the cornea) is correctable with specialty contact lenses customized to fit bulging corneas. Contacts for keratoconus may also delay progressive bulging of the cornea by gently but firmly supporting cornea curvature.
If you suffer double vision or need to have an eye exam, please schedule an appointment with Eye Care Specialists of Florida today by calling 407-483-0328.