Double vision, or diplopia, is a condition where a person sees two images of a single object. This disorienting experience can impact daily activities, making tasks like reading, driving, working, and playing sports difficult and unsafe. The Optometry Center for Vision Therapy (OCVT) offers effective solutions to manage and treat double vision through customized vision therapy programs tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Causes of Double Vision
Double vision can result from various underlying issues, which may involve the eyes, brain, or both. Common causes include:
- Strabismus: Misalignment of the eyes where they do not look at the same point simultaneously.
- Trauma, Injury or Post-Concussion: Damage to the eye or head can disrupt normal visual function.
- Convergence Insufficiency: Inability of the muscles of the eye to hold alignment together when viewing near targets, i.e. reading or work on computers.
- Neurological Conditions: Issues such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, or strokes can affect the nerves controlling eye muscles.
- Eye Muscle Problems: Weakness or paralysis of the eye muscles can lead to double vision, and targets overlapping or floating.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens can cause overlapping images.
- Corneal Irregularities: Conditions like keratoconus can distort vision and lead to double images.
Effects of Double Vision
Experiencing double vision can have significant consequences on daily life and overall well-being, including:
- Difficulty Reading or Focusing: Text may appear doubled, making it hard to concentrate, keep your place and comprehend.
- Headaches or Eye Strain: The constant effort to correct vision can lead to discomfort.
- Dizziness or Nausea: Disorientation from seeing two images can cause balance issues and nausea.
- Poor Depth Perception: Judging distances accurately becomes challenging, impacting tasks like driving or playing sports.
- Reduced Coordination: Activities requiring precise hand-eye coordination, such as writing or sewing, can be affected.
Vision Therapy Treatments
At OCVT, we provide a holistic and individualized approach to treating double vision. Our comprehensive vision therapy programs include:
- Thorough Diagnosis: Detailed assessments to identify the root cause of double vision, whether it’s eye-related or neurological.
- Tailored Vision Therapy Programs: Specific exercises and techniques designed to improve eye coordination, strengthen eye muscles, and enhance visual processing.
- Prism Lenses: Temporary use of prism lenses can align images and reduce the immediate impact of double vision.
- Continuous Monitoring: Regular check-ups allow us to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the therapy program, ensuring optimal results.
Home Management Tips for Double Vision
In addition to professional treatment, here are some tips for managing double vision at home:
- Cover One Eye: Temporarily covering one eye can help reduce double vision for brief viewing, but not recommended long term or for prolonged tasks.
- Use Proper Lighting: Ensure good lighting to reduce eye strain.
- Rest: Get plenty of rest for your body and mind.
- Avoid Strain: Take regular breaks from activities that require intense visual focus, especially from screens.
Conclusion
Double vision can significantly impact your daily life, but with the right treatment, you can regain clear and comfortable vision. At OCVT, we are dedicated to providing personalized vision therapy solutions to help you achieve optimal visual health. Schedule a Complimentary Consultation at our Austin or San Antonio locations to start your journey toward a better vision today.