If you look at something and see two images of the particular object instead of just one, then you could be suffering from a vision problem known as diplopia, or as is more commonly referred to – double vision.

Double vision can be of two types: monocular and binocular.

Monocular double vision refers to double vision in only one eye. The double vision in the particular eye persists even if the other eye is covered. Monocular double vision can be caused due to a number of factors, such as:

• Astigmatism
• Cataract
• Dry eyes
• A dislocated lens
• Other retinal defects

Binocular double vision is caused due to misaligned eyes. If your eyes are not aligned properly, then they may focus on an object differently and cause double vision. Binocular diplopia usually goes away if any one eye is covered.

In a person who has proper vision, both the eyes look at a particular object, and the brain fuses the two images into one, making you see just one image. But with a person whose eyes are misaligned, each eye looks at objects differently and as these two images cannot be combined into one by the brain, double vision occurs.

Treating Double Vision

The first step in treating double vision is being aware that you have it. Many people often confuse double vision with blurred vision, thinking them to be the same. But in blurred vision, a single image is seen albeit unclear, whereas in double vision, two separate images are seen.

If your eyes are misaligned or look crossed, and you see two images, then you should get yourself examined by an eye specialist, who will be able to ascertain whether or not you have double vision, and if you do, then which kind.

Once you know what type of double vision you have, and also its causes, the following types of treatment options may be available to you:

1. Contacts or glasses: Minor problems of double vision can often be corrected by wearing proper contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses. If you have double vision because of astigmatism, it can be treated by wearing special contact lenses.
2. Vision therapy: This is a non-surgical therapy that is often used to correct double vision. Vision therapy aims to align the movements of the eyes and correct the motor visual deficiencies that cause double vision. Therapeutic lenses, prisms, and filters are used in vision therapy to enhance the visual motor skills and correct double vision.
3. Eye muscle surgery: Surgery on the eye muscles can also be an option to treat and cure double vision. Vision therapy may also accompany eye surgery in order to satisfactorily cure double vision.

Only a qualified eye doctor will be able to advise you about which treatment option is best for curing your double vision problems.