Double vision is a serious eye problem which can affect us all. You may suffer this problem from childhood, but it is also possible you can develop double vision if you are an adult. Double vision, also called diplopia, is often a symptom of different visual problems, for example strabismus, convergence insufficiency or a consequence of certain brain injuries.

There are two causes which may cause double vision. The most common form is a result of the misalignment of the eyes (strabismus) and aim of different objects or images. The brain will receive two different images and double vision occurs when the brain uses these non matching views. It is possible the brain will ignore the image of one eye and people may not suffer double vision. This is often when people get this problem before the age of 6 years and they develop "lazy eye (amblyopia)".

There is often confusion between strabismus and amblyopia. Many children suffer amblyopia (lazy eye) without suffering double vision. Amblyopia means a loss of vision and is a problem which takes places in the brain. It happens mostly when children see clearly with one eye and have a blurred vision with the other eye. A function in the brains can block or ignore the sight of the eye with the blurred vision and cause amblyopia. In case children suffer also strabismus, it is important to detect this problem early and get surgery before the age of 6 years. This may prevent to develop amblyopia permanently. If children suffer strabismus and no surgery would happen they will get double vision if the brain accepts the vision of the lazy eye.

Strabismus is caused through an imbalance of the eye muscles which control the positioning of the eyes. It is possible some muscles are paralyzed, but it can also be a disorder in the functioning of your brains or a consequence of thyroid eye disease.

Another cause of double vision may be a structural problem in the optical system of the eye. This happens infrequently, but you can distinguish this kind of double vision from strabismus because it occurs in one eye. It is often caused through another eye disease, for example cataract, where the lens develops different regions which may produce a separate view on the retina of your eye.

Double vision is a terrible problem and it is almost impossible to live with. Once you notice you suffer this problem, you need to consult an ophthalmologist who may examine the causes of your double vision and often is a consult of a neurologist required. Double vision can also be temporarily or caused by nerve problems (for example Multiple Sclerosis), brain problems (stroke or brain tumor) and even a consequence of diabetes.

It is important you know there are several reasons of double vision and each requires a different treatment. Maybe you need surgery but it is perfect lypossible you can be treated with medicines, vision training, therapy or even with a prism which can be included in your eye-glasses. The right treatment will help people to live with double vision, but it's important you don't minimize the consequences.

Learn more about this author, Erik Van Tongerloo.
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