Double Vision/ Diplopia
Janine Gray is a qualified orthoptist with over 30 years of experience and would be delighted to assist you today.

What Is Diplopia?
Double vision or the diplopia meaning is when you see 2 images. This can be binocular (when both eyes are open) or monocular (from one eye only). Diplopia can be: Horizontal – when images are side by side. Vertical – when images are one on top of the other. Diagonal – when images are split to the side and either up or down.
What Are The Causes Of Diplopia?
Binocular diplopia usually occurs when the eyes are misaligned causing the brain to be confused. This can be for many reasons including a weak eye muscle that is starting to deteriorate as you get older, a neurological disorder (stroke, brain tumour, Parkinsons), increased blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid or injury to the face or orbit.
What Is Diplopia Treatment?
Binocular diplopia can be treated in several ways. Sometimes glasses can help by correcting the focussing which allows the eyes to be better controlled. Exercises can also help strengthen your eye muscles and this is particularly helpful if you are struggling when reading. If glasses or exercises are not appropriate, a prism can be used. Prisms are made from plastic and are stuck to the glasses (with water only so the lens is not damaged) and this controls the double vision by allowing your brain to join the 2 images together. Sometimes this is a just temporary treatment used while you are recovering from the cause of the double vision but if full recovery does not occur, prisms can be incorporated into the glasses allowing you to have clear, single vision all the time.