Boston Doctor on Double Vision or Diplopia

Boston eye doctor Francis A. D’Ambrosio Jr., M.D. comments on double vision. “Double vision, which we also refer to as diplopia, generally results from either a misalignment of your eyes or a structural problem with the part or parts of the eye that let light into it”, noted “There are two types of double vision. The first type is called binocular diplopia. The second type is referred to as monocular diplopia.” Monocular diplopia can be differentiated from binocular diplopia by a simple test. If the double vision stops when you cover one eye, then you are suffering from binocular diplopia.  If the double vision persists even with one eye covered, that means you are experiencing monocular diplopia.

There are many different causes for diplopia. The problem can arise from the eyes themselves, the surrounding orbit, or the central nervous system. Causes of double vision include corneal infections or scars, cataract, eye muscle weakness from thyroid problems, nerve damage from diabetes or multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disease such as myasthenia gravis, brain tumors or aneurysms, strokes, head trauma, orbital trauma, direct eye trauma and even migraine headaches.
Double vision can occur by itself with no other symptoms. However, depending on the cause other symptoms may be present with diplopia that can include:

• Droopy Eyelids
• Pain with Eye Movements
• Headache
• Nausea
• Misalignment of one or both eyes causing a "wandering eye" or "cross-eyed" appearance
• Weakness of the other muscles in your body

“Double vision that's new or unexplained requires urgent medical attention. With so many potentially serious causes for diplopia, it's important to discover the reason without delay”, said Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. A thorough history and physical examination are critical to localizing a disease process and guiding further tests and studies to identify and treat the cause.

If you or someone you know experiences double vision, it is important to schedule an appointment for an examination. Please feel free to call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule an appointment.  You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery for vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.