Double Vision
Diagnosing double vision
Source: NHS
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If you have double vision, your GP will probably refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) at the eye department of your local hospital.
Ophthalmologists commonly work in a team with:
- orthoptists specialists in problems relating to eye movements and how the eyes work together
- optometrists who carry out eye examinations and assess your need for glasses
Initial tests
The first step in diagnosing double vision is to establish whether your double vision affects:
- both eyes (binocular double vision)
- one eye (monocular double vision)
They may ask you to read letters off a chart, look at the position of your eyes, and assess how well you can move them. They may also assess how well your eyes are working together (your binocular vision).
Yourophthalmologist will also use a microscope with a very bright light, called a slit lamp, to examine the front and backof youreyes.
These results, together with your medical history and any other symptoms you have,should determine what could be causing your double vision.
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Further tests
Further testsmay include blood tests.A picture of your brain or eye muscles may also be taken using:
- a computerised tomography (CT) scan this takes a series of X-rays at slightly different angles and uses a computer to put the images together
- a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan thisuses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images
Articles for Double Vision
Causes of double vision
Double vision can occur in one or both eyes, and can be caused by several different conditions, such as a squint or astigmatism.
Diagnosing double vision
If you have double vision, your GP will probably refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) at the eye department of your local hospital.
Introduction
Double vision (medically known as diplopia) is where you see two images of a single object either some or all of the time.
Symptoms of double vision
Double vision is where you see two images of a single object. It is sometimes confused with blurred vision.
Treating double vision
If you have double vision, your treatment will depend on whether you have double vision in one eye (monocular) or both eyes (binocular), and the underlying cause.
