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Diplopia


Diplopia, commonly referred to as double vision, occurs when a person sees two images of a single object either side by side, on top of one another, or both. This condition can be temporary or chronic and can affect one or both eyes. Monocular diplopia is when double vision persists even when one eye is covered, often due to issues within the eye itself, such as cataracts or corneal irregularities. Binocular diplopia, where the double vision resolves when one eye is covered, is typically due to misalignment of the eyes, often caused by issues with the muscles or nerves controlling eye movement. Diplopia can significantly impact quality of life, as it affects daily activities like reading, driving, and walking.

  • Causes: The causes of diplopia vary and can include eye muscle problems (e.g., strabismus), nerve damage, brain conditions (such as stroke or tumor), or underlying health issues like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or multiple sclerosis. Monocular diplopia is usually due to lens or corneal issues, while binocular diplopia results from problems with eye alignment or neurological conditions.
  • Symptoms: Symptoms of diplopia include seeing two overlapping or side-by-side images, difficulty focusing, headaches, eye strain, nausea, and issues with depth perception.
  • Treatment: Treatment for diplopia depends on the underlying cause. Corrective lenses or eye exercises may help in cases of misalignment. For nerve or muscle-related issues, surgery or botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may be recommended. Addressing the root cause, such as managing diabetes or thyroid conditions, can also help reduce symptoms.

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