Double Vision
Double vision (diplopia) is a condition where a person sees two images of a single object. It may occur due to problems in the eyes, brain, or nerves and can sometimes indicate serious neurological or muscular conditions such as stroke or nerve palsy.
🚨 Seek Emergency Medical Care
Get urgent help if double vision occurs with:
- Sudden severe headache.
- Weakness or numbness in face or limbs.
- Difficulty speaking or confusion.
- Drooping eyelid or unequal pupils.
- Loss of balance or coordination.
📞 Consult a Doctor
Medical advice is recommended if:
- Double vision persists or worsens.
- It occurs intermittently.
- You have eye strain or headache.
- Vision changes affect daily activities.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Type of Double Vision | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Sudden onset diplopia | Stroke |
| Double vision with headache | Migraine |
| Worse when looking in certain directions | Cranial nerve palsy |
| Blurred + double images | Refractive eye disorder |
| Double vision with eye pain | Eye infection or inflammation |
Causes by Category
Stroke: Disruption of brain blood supply.
Brain tumor: Pressure on visual pathways.
Multiple sclerosis: Nerve signal disruption.
Cranial nerve palsy: Weak eye movement control.
Myasthenia gravis: Muscle weakness affecting eyes.
Strabismus: Misalignment of eyes.
Refractive errors: Incorrect focusing of light.
Dry eyes: Poor tear film affecting vision.
Cataract: Clouding of the eye lens.
Diagnostic Procedures
Eye Examination
Assesses vision clarity and eye alignment.
Neurological Examination
Evaluates brain and nerve function.
MRI Brain
Detects tumors, stroke, or nerve damage.
Blood Tests
Checks infection, autoimmune disease, or metabolic causes.
