Double Vision (Diplopia) Treatment in Marlton, NJ
Understanding Double Vision
Your eyes and brain work as a team to create one clear picture. When that teamwork breaks down, you might see two images side-by-side, on top of each other, or at an angle. Knowing which type of double vision you have helps our team treat it effectively.
This type happens in only one eye. If you cover your 'good' eye and still see double in the other, it is monocular. This is usually caused by a problem within the eye itself, such as a cataract or astigmatism, rather than a nerve or brain issue.
This type occurs only when both eyes are open. If you cover either eye and the double image disappears, it is binocular. This usually means your eyes are not pointing in the exact same direction. It suggests an issue with the eye muscles or the nerves that control them.
Common Causes of Diplopia
There are many reasons why you might see double. Our multispecialty team in Marlton investigates every possibility, from minor eye conditions to complex health issues.
Six muscles control each eye. If these muscles are weak or the nerves sending them signals are damaged, your eyes cannot align properly. This can be caused by conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or myasthenia gravis. Sometimes, a history of head trauma can also affect these delicate structures.
Changes to the physical structure of your eye can bend light incorrectly. Common causes include:
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens.
- Dry Eye: Severe dryness can damage the cornea's surface.
- Keratoconus: A condition where the cornea changes shape.
Because your brain processes what you see, neurological issues can result in double vision. A stroke, brain aneurysm, or tumor can interfere with visual processing. Our specialists are trained to recognize these signs early.
Symptoms to Watch For
Double vision rarely happens alone. You may notice other uncomfortable changes in how you feel or see.
Patients often tell us they experience headaches, nausea, or dizziness along with their double vision. You might find yourself tilting your head to the side or squinting to try to merge the two images into one. You may also feel pain when moving your eyes.
If double vision happens suddenly, it could be a sign of a medical emergency. Seek help immediately if you also experience:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Sudden, severe headache
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Drooping of one eyelid or side of the face
Diagnosing Double Vision in South Jersey
Finding the root cause requires a thorough evaluation. We serve patients from Marlton, Evesham, and the Greater Philadelphia area with comprehensive diagnostic testing.
Our ophthalmologists will check your focus and how well your eyes move together. We may use a 'cover test,' where we cover one eye at a time to see how your vision shifts. We also examine your pupils and the health of your retina.
If the cause is not obvious, we may order blood tests to check for thyroid issues or diabetes. We may also recommend MRI or CT scans to look closely at the nerves and muscles behind your eyes. Our goal is to give you a precise diagnosis so we can create the right plan.
Effective Treatment Options
Treating double vision depends entirely on the cause. We customize your care plan to help you see comfortably again.
For many patients, the solution is non-invasive. We can prescribe glasses with a special 'prism' built into the lens. This prism bends the light before it hits your eye, tricking the brain into seeing one single image. Our full-service optical center in Marlton can craft these specialized lenses for you.
If your double vision is caused by dry eye or diabetes, treating those underlying conditions often fixes the vision problem. For muscle spasms or specific alignment issues, we may use Botox injections to relax the eye muscles and allow them to straighten out.
If prisms or medications do not help, surgery may be the best option. Our skilled surgeons can adjust the tension of your eye muscles to realign your eyes. This is a common, safe procedure that can permanently correct double vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know double vision raises many questions. Here are answers to common concerns we hear from our patients.
Stress usually does not cause double vision directly, but extreme fatigue and stress can make a hidden eye alignment problem obvious for a short time. If seeing double persists after you rest, you should schedule an exam.
No. Double vision destroys your depth perception, making it dangerous to judge distances or the speed of other cars. We recommend you do not drive until your vision is treated and stable.
It depends on the cause. If it is due to minor fatigue, it might resolve quickly. However, most causes require medical treatment. Ignoring it can lead to eye strain or allow an underlying condition to worsen.
Standard contacts usually cannot fix binocular double vision, but they can treat monocular double vision caused by astigmatism or corneal issues. Our optometrists can help determine if contacts are a good option for you.
While some insurance plans require referrals, you can contact our office directly to discuss your symptoms. We treat many patients from Voorhees, Mount Laurel, and across Burlington County for complex vision issues.
Schedule Your Evaluation in Marlton
You do not have to live with the confusion and discomfort of double vision. At ReFocus Eye Health Marlton, our team is dedicated to protecting your sight using the latest medical advancements. Whether you live right here in Marlton or are visiting from the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area, we are here to help you see the world clearly again.
Today was a great experience at ReFocus. Met with Dr. Heuer. She gave me an excellent eye examination. Very thorough!
Vincent Pestritto
Dr. Grossman is the best. His personality is comforting, and his surgical skills are second to none. He takes the time to explain every procedure and eye exam result. I highly recommend Dr. Grossman!
Jim Stimeck
Great experience in an out friendly service. Dr. Andrew is great!
Ryan McCarthy
I am so impressed with Dr. Andrew’s He is extremely knowledgeable with age there are something’s we are more prone to get and I was looked at for all.
Margaret DeCarlo
I met Dr. Andrews for the first time and thought he was an expert in his field. I felt confident in his abilities and prescription he gave me.
Marcia Hinden
Contact Us
Tuesday: 8am-7pm
Wednesday: 8am-7pm
Thursday: 8am-7pm
Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Sunday: Closed