It’s National Eye Health Week and the South Eastern Trust is raising awareness about double vision, a condition known as Diplopia. This often-overlooked issue can significantly impact daily life and may be an indicator of underlying health problems.
Double vision is commonly linked to issues like poorly controlled diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. In some cases, it may indicate more serious conditions, such as strokes, brain conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, or thyroid disorders.
Anyone suffering from double vision sees two images of a single object, which can lead to discomfort and confusion. Many people may instinctively close one eye to eliminate the second image, but this is not a long-term solution.
Orthoptist, Rebecca McCracken said, “It is really important to raise awareness of double vision as it can sometimes be a sign of overall health conditions. Early intervention with any vision difficulties can improve the outcomes not just in double vision, but sight in general. Regular eye exams not only safeguard vision, they can also identify other potential health concerns.
“With an ageing population, we are finding that more individuals are experiencing vision problems. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise also contribute to these difficulties. Maintaining routine eye tests, staying active, eating a balanced diet, spending time outdoors and wearing sunglasses to protect against UV damage are all important measures to help protect vision.”
There are several effective ways to manage and treat double vision. Treatment options may include fitting prisms to glasses, or prescribing exercises that help to realign the two images. In some cases, double vision may resolve on its own, but for others, treatment may be necessary.
If you experience double vision, it is important to schedule a sight test with your local optician. If necessary, they may refer you to the hospital eye service for an ophthalmology assessment or to the Orthoptics Team, who will evaluate the muscle balance of your eyes. Most cases of double vision are treatable, whether caused by simple muscle weakness or other factors and many patients experience improvement with proper care.