Experiencing double vision can be worrisome, especially if it happens during times while you're performing important tasks, like driving, working, or reading.
Although double vision can be caused by intoxication, head trauma, and taking certain medications, you should be able to determine if your eye health is the ultimate cause of your double vision issue. While double vision caused by drinking or taking medication will subside once the alcohol or medication is out of the system, if it's caused by an underlying eye condition, then the eye condition must be properly treated before the double vision will improve.
What is Double Vision?
Double vision is when your perception of a single object that you're viewing is doubled. Double vision can be weird and distorting, so it's definitely something that you want to correct. Double vision can occur occasionally or regularly, depending on the cause and severity. There is not always a serious or permanent cause of double vision, and sometimes something as simple as taking a break from working on the computer can fix the problem.
Can Double Vision be Corrected?
Double vision can almost always be corrected. In most cases where double vision is caused by underlying eye issues like cataracts, astigmatism, or glaucoma, double vision will likely be immediately corrected after surgery or with corrective lenses.
Macular degeneration, another eye disease that can cause double vision, is a progressive eye disease. However, treatment is geared at slowing down the progression of the disease, as there is no cure. Despite the fact that there is no cure, treatments can still treat double vision so you can see more clearly.
Other Causes of Double Vision
Dry eye syndrome is another cause of double vision. Dry eye syndrome results when the tear films along the eyes become uneven, making the eyes feel dry and scratchy as if debris is in the eyes. The eyes feel scratchy because of a lack of adequate lubrication. The first line of treatment for dry eye syndrome is artificial tears, but other things can improve this syndrome as well, like increasing vitamin A in your diet, using a humidifier in your home, using protective eyewear intended to block dry air and more. Once your dry eye syndrome has been adequately treated, your double vision should abate.
Astigmatism is a condition caused by abnormal curvature of the cornea, retina, or lens. This can lead to blurriness, double vision, and more. Treatment usually entails corrective lenses, but some people opt for LASIK surgery, which can correct the problem. Regardless of the treatment, the double vision symptom can certainly be corrected.
So, if you've been suffering from double vision problems, there is no need to continue to suffer. Give our office a call and one of our friendly staff will be more than happy to schedule a convenient day and time for you to come in and have one of our experienced doctors thoroughly examine your eyes. The doctor can then develop an effective treatment plan so your double vision problem can be resolved, and you can go on with your life without annoying eye problems plaguing you.