Double vision
Double vision, also known as diplopia, is usually temporary, but it can be a sign of a severe health condition in certain instances. Different conditions in your body and eyes can cause diplopia. So, it’s crucial to consult an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) as soon as you notice changes in your vision.
Double vision symptoms
Double vision is where you look at one object and see two images or reflections below or above. The condition may affect both or a single eye. Signs of whether your child has problems with their vision:
- Squinting or narrowing their eyes to see better
- Covering one eye with their hand
- Tilting their head in unusual ways
Looking at others sideways instead of facing them straight.
Double vision causes
It has multiple possible causes depending on whether it impacts one or both eyes. Squint usually causes the condition in both the eyes, where it will develop problems with eye muscles or nerves to change vision slightly differently. They are more common among children and don’t cause double vision, but if left untreated in children under seven, they may develop lazy eyes instead. Squints among adults can sometimes be a sign of a severe condition.
One eye double or blurred vision is less common, and the following are the possible reasons behind it:
- Dry eyes (where the eyes won’t produce enough tears)
- Astigmatism (where a part of an eye is not in perfect shape)
- Cataracts (where it develops cloudy patches in front of the eye
- Keratoconus (where the thin, clear eye outer layer gets even thinner and changes shape)
Consult a doctor if:
- You think your child has double or blurred vision
- You have double or blurred vision and severe eye pain
- You have severe eye pain along with double or blurred vision
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022