Seeing two of everything can be disorienting and confusing. When this happens suddenly, it’s natural to feel concerned. Double vision, also called diplopia, is when you see two images of a single object. It can happen for many reasons.
Understanding the potential causes is the first step toward finding clarity. Sudden temporary double vision can be caused by many factors, from simple eye strain and cornea issues to more complex muscle, nerve, or health conditions that impact vision. A comprehensive eye exam can help identify the reasons behind your experience.
What It Means to See Double
Double vision happens when your eyes don’t work together properly to create a single, clear image for your brain. Think of it as a communication issue. Sometimes the problem is with one eye, and other times it involves both.
Two Types of Double Vision
You can do a simple check to see which type of double vision you might have. Cover one eye. If your double vision goes away, the cause is likely binocular—an issue with how both eyes align. If you still see double with one eye covered, the problem is likely monocular—an issue with that specific eye.
Common Reasons for Sudden Double Vision
A variety of factors can cause temporary double vision. Some are simple to address, while others may point to a different health concern. As your eye doctor in San Diego, we can help you figure out what’s going on with your vision.
Eye Muscle & Nerve Issues
Your eye muscles control how your eyes move and focus. If a muscle is weak or the nerves that control it aren’t working correctly, your eyes can fall out of alignment. This condition, sometimes called strabismus, is what causes you to see double.
Cornea or Lens Problems
The cornea is the clear outer layer of your eye. The lens of your eye sits behind it. If either is irregularly shaped or clouded, light rays may split upon passing through, thereby creating a double image. This can be caused by:
- Astigmatism
- Dry eyes
- Cataracts
Certain Health Conditions
Sometimes, double vision is a sign of a condition that affects more than just your eyes. For instance, diabetes can affect eye health by impacting the nerves and muscles that control eye movement, as can certain thyroid or autoimmune conditions.
How to Know If Double Vision Is a Concern
Any new or sudden case of double vision is a good reason for an eye exam. Certain signs may suggest that the issue is related to your brain or nervous system.
Signs That May Point to a Neurological Cause
If you experience double vision along with any of the following, it’s a good idea to seek attention promptly as you may be experiencing an eye care emergency:
- A sudden, strong headache
- Dizziness or trouble with balance
- Numbness or weakness
- Droopy eyelids
- Slurred speech
What Can Be Mistaken for Double Vision?
Sometimes, what seems like double vision is actually blurred or ghosted vision. An eye exam can help distinguish between these different visual disturbances. This helps your doctor pinpoint the cause and find a clear path forward.
What to Expect at Your Eye Appointment
When you visit us for double vision, we perform a thorough check to understand your eye health. The goal is to identify why you are seeing double. From there, we can determine the next steps.
A Comprehensive Vision Check
Your appointment will likely include several different types of eye exam tests to check your visual sharpness, eye alignment, and muscle function. We will also look at the structures inside your eyes. This allows us to check for any irregularities that could contribute to double vision.
Questions About Your Health & Lifestyle
Be prepared to talk about your overall health and any medications you take. We’ll also ask when your double vision started. Your answers give us important clues about the potential causes of your situation.
Address Double Vision & Support Your Eye Health
Managing double vision depends entirely on its cause. Once we identify the cause, we can explore treatment options.
Treat the Root Cause
For many people, correcting double vision means addressing the underlying issue. This might involve new glasses for astigmatism or managing dry eye. It could also mean working with another healthcare professional for a systemic condition.
Tools & Proactive Care
In some cases, simple tools can provide relief while the main issue is addressed. These might include:
- Special prism lenses in your glasses
- An eye patch to cover one eye temporarily
- Specific eye exercises to improve coordination
Scheduling routine eye exams is a key part of preventative care. An eye doctor can spot small issues before they become larger problems and keep your prescription up to date. If you spend a lot of time on screens, remember to give your eyes frequent breaks to reduce digital eye strain.
Your vision is a vital part of your everyday life, and any changes can be unsettling. Understanding the source of sudden double vision is the first step toward feeling more in control. We’re committed to helping you find that clarity.
If you’re experiencing double vision or if it’s simply time for your annual check-up, our team at Total Vision Del Mar is here to help. Contact us to schedule your appointment and take a proactive step for your eye health.
