Diplopia or Double Vision Dr. David J. Casper, Optometrist Joliet ( 815) 744 1400 Coal City (815)634-4400
Diplopia, or double vision can result if our eyes do not both aim in the same place either at a distance or up close. The double images may be totally separate or overlap to some degree. Double vision can develop over time or appear suddenly.
Children and Double Vision
A child may experience double vision, but may not be aware that this is not normal. Generally, children think that everyone sees the world as they do. Many parents have discovered that their child was seeing double and the child did not tell anyone because they thought it was normal.
It is quite common for children who are struggling with reading and other close work, especially in school, to experience seeing double after a relatively short amount of reading. These children will often avoid reading, or say that they don't like to read. In such cases, the children are usually experiencing difficulties with eye coordination and eyestrain at close distances.
Causes of Double Vision
There are many causes of diplopia, ranging from serious medical conditions to very treatable visual difficulties. A COVD doctor is qualified to determine the cause as well as make any necessary referrals.
Exotropia
An eye that wanders is much more than just an appearance problem. At times the patient may experience intermittent double vision.
Treatment of Exotropia
Treatments involve the use of lenses,prisms*, and vision therapy. Patching one eye may also make the person more aware of the eye that is misused. Your Optometrist can thoroughly evaluate this condition and provide treatment options. In severe cases, Muscle surgery can sometimes cosmetically straighten the eyes, however, a program of Vision Therapy or Orthoptics is often necessary to restore full visual function.
Esotropia
An eye that turns in is much more than just an appearance problem. At times the patient may experience intermittent double vision.
Treatment of Esotropia
Treatments involve the use of lenses, prisms**, and vision therapy. Patching one eye may also make the person more aware of the eye that is misused. Your Optometrist can thoroughly evaluate this condition and provide treatment options. In severe cases, Muscle surgery can sometimes cosmetically straighten the eyes, however, a program of Vision Therapy or Orthoptics is often necessary to restore full visual function.
Treatment of Double Vision
In almost all cases, seeing double should not be ignored. Do not wait for this visual problem to go away. If anyone you know sees double, contact an eye doctor. Double vision that occurs suddenly needs to be evaluated immediately. Do not ignore this symptom. Some causes of Double vision can be treated without surgery. An Optometrist can develop a treatment regimen with the use of prisms and / or vision therapy. With severe cases of double vision, surgery can be the best option .
Treatment with Prism
When a patient is treated with a prism, the doctor can move the image to where the eye positions.
If the eye(s) is turned out the corrective image is moved out with (Base In) prisms.
If the eye(s) is turned in the corrective image is moved in with (Base Out) prisms.
This type of approach compensates for the image to be placed where the eye is positioned. The eyes become more comfortable
in their turned out or turned in position.
A Therapeutic Approach is often used with non-paretic eyes, or a more flexible vision system, to help straighten the eyes.
*This type of prism stimulates the eyes to move in (converge) by positioning downward with the use of Base Up “Yolked” Prisms.
**To stimulate the eyes to move out (diverge) by positioning upward, Base Down “Yolked” Prisms are prescribed.
Diplopia, or double vision can result if our eyes do not both aim in the same place either at a distance or up close. The double images may be totally separate or overlap to some degree. Double vision can develop over time or appear suddenly.
Children and Double Vision
A child may experience double vision, but may not be aware that this is not normal. Generally, children think that everyone sees the world as they do. Many parents have discovered that their child was seeing double and the child did not tell anyone because they thought it was normal.
It is quite common for children who are struggling with reading and other close work, especially in school, to experience seeing double after a relatively short amount of reading. These children will often avoid reading, or say that they don't like to read. In such cases, the children are usually experiencing difficulties with eye coordination and eyestrain at close distances.
Causes of Double Vision
There are many causes of diplopia, ranging from serious medical conditions to very treatable visual difficulties. A COVD doctor is qualified to determine the cause as well as make any necessary referrals.
Exotropia
An eye that wanders is much more than just an appearance problem. At times the patient may experience intermittent double vision.
Treatment of Exotropia
Treatments involve the use of lenses,prisms*, and vision therapy. Patching one eye may also make the person more aware of the eye that is misused. Your Optometrist can thoroughly evaluate this condition and provide treatment options. In severe cases, Muscle surgery can sometimes cosmetically straighten the eyes, however, a program of Vision Therapy or Orthoptics is often necessary to restore full visual function.
Esotropia
An eye that turns in is much more than just an appearance problem. At times the patient may experience intermittent double vision.
Treatment of Esotropia
Treatments involve the use of lenses, prisms**, and vision therapy. Patching one eye may also make the person more aware of the eye that is misused. Your Optometrist can thoroughly evaluate this condition and provide treatment options. In severe cases, Muscle surgery can sometimes cosmetically straighten the eyes, however, a program of Vision Therapy or Orthoptics is often necessary to restore full visual function.
Treatment of Double Vision
In almost all cases, seeing double should not be ignored. Do not wait for this visual problem to go away. If anyone you know sees double, contact an eye doctor. Double vision that occurs suddenly needs to be evaluated immediately. Do not ignore this symptom. Some causes of Double vision can be treated without surgery. An Optometrist can develop a treatment regimen with the use of prisms and / or vision therapy. With severe cases of double vision, surgery can be the best option .
Treatment with Prism
When a patient is treated with a prism, the doctor can move the image to where the eye positions.
If the eye(s) is turned out the corrective image is moved out with (Base In) prisms.
If the eye(s) is turned in the corrective image is moved in with (Base Out) prisms.
This type of approach compensates for the image to be placed where the eye is positioned. The eyes become more comfortable
in their turned out or turned in position.
A Therapeutic Approach is often used with non-paretic eyes, or a more flexible vision system, to help straighten the eyes.
*This type of prism stimulates the eyes to move in (converge) by positioning downward with the use of Base Up “Yolked” Prisms.
**To stimulate the eyes to move out (diverge) by positioning upward, Base Down “Yolked” Prisms are prescribed.