If you are experiencing double vision, you are likely curious about what treatments are available to you. The first - and most important - step is to pay a visit to your optometrist as soon as possible. Double vision, which is sometimes referred to by the medical term diplopia, can be caused by a variety of different factors. Your optometrist can determine what is causing your double vision, and can recommend a course of treatment that is appropriate for your particular circumstances.

Causes of double vision

When you see two distinct images of a single object, you are experiencing double vision. You may find that this only happens occasionally, or that it is a more frequent occurrence. Either way, it is important that you pay attention to your symptoms and book an appointment with your optometrist as quickly as you can. Double vision can be caused by a variety of different problems with your eye, your nervous system or even your brain, which processes the images that you see. Lens issues are among the most common causes of double vision. These can include cataracts, which may require surgery to remove. You may also experience double vision if your corneas have been scratched or damaged, or if your eye muscles have been weakened due to illness or injury.

In more serious cases, double vision can be a symptom of a more serious medical issue, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes or a nerve condition known as Guillain-Barre syndrome. Double vision can also occur as a result of stroke, aneurysm, a brain tumour, migraine headaches or added pressure to the brain as a result of trauma or illness. The right treatment from an optometristBecause double vision can be caused by many different issues, consulting your optometrist is a crucial first step in the treatment process. Depending on the underlying cause of your double vision, there are many different treatment options to consider. Minor surgery may be required to address lens issues or to correct weak eye muscles, while prescriptions may be required to treat infections that affect the cornea's ability to work properly. In some cases, your optometrist may refer you to a medical doctor for further diagnosis and treatment. In the case of diabetes, for example, you may be required to make lifestyle changes and begin a course of medication or insulin treatments.