Causes of double vision

Double Vision

Double vision is the impairment when you see a double image of a single object. As soon as you notice that there is something wrong with your vision, you should see an ophthalmologist because in most cases there is some more serious disorder which causes double vision. In case double vision is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, visit to the ophthalmologist is not necessary because it will go away on its own once you sober up.

Problems

Problems which cause double vision may occur at any part of your vision system. The vision system consists of cornea, lenses, eye muscles, nerves and brain. Cornea is transparent membrane which covers the eye. If cornea gets infected or injured, this may lead to double vision. The function of the lenses is to focus light. The most common problem concerning lenses is cataract. This disorder can also cause double vision. Eye muscles are responsible for proper eye movement. If these muscles become weakened or damaged, they will cause double vision. Problems with thyroid gland may affect eye muscles. Disorders such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis can cause damage to eye nerves which can further lead to double vision. Any brain disease or injury can lead to doublevision.

Causes

There are many causes which can lead to double vision. The causes can be various condition and disorders which have double vision as one of the symptoms. Such condition and disorders include diabetes, cataract, botulism, cancer, multiple sclerosis, sinusitis, abscess and Graves' disease which is a thyroid gland disorder. A variety of problems which are connected to the brain can cause double vision. These problems include brain tumor, stroke, migraine, severe headache and aneurysm. Double vision can be a consequence of an injury or trauma of the brain. It can be also caused by an infection of the brain. The cause of double vision can also be an injury or infection of theeye.

Treatment

It is important to get proper treatment for the underlying cause in time because in some cases, your vision problems may progress. Have the ophthalmologist check your eyes as soon as possible, especially if double vision is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain in the eyes or in the surrounding area, nausea and headache, or if there are some other vision problems such as blurry vision, because the cause may be more serious. In order to maintain good vision, besides being treated for the underlying cause, you should wear sunglasses with UV protection, and avoid cigarettes and alcohol.