Double Vision

What causes double vision?

Your eyes are supposed to work together to create a single, clear image. However, if something interferes with the way one or both of your eyes take in and process light, you may end up with diplopia — the clinical term for double vision — or ghost images. Ghost images are partial images that usually surround the object you’re looking at.

Some of the causes of double vision include:

• Corneal irregularities
• Dry eyes
• Cataracts
• Cranial nerve palsies
• Strabismus
• Refractive surgery
• Stroke or brain injury

In children, double vision is often due to congenital corneal irregularities and strabismus. For example, cataracts and corneal irregularities can scatter light as it enters the eye instead of focusing it on a single point on the retina. The scattered light causes the eye and brain to interpret multiple images.

If your child has strabismus, their eyes may not work together, causing their brain to interpret the signals as with double vision. Similarly, if your child has experienced any brain trauma or has cranial nerve palsies that affected the vision centers of their brain, their brain may interpret sight signals differently, including double or ghost images.

What are the signs that my child has double vision?

If your child has double vision, they might tell you about it. They might also rub their eyes frequently, have trouble reading or paying attention in school, or complain of headaches, black spots, or blurry vision.

You should have your child’s eyes tested at least every two years, even if they don’t need corrective lenses to see clearly. Your consultative pediatric optometrist or pediatric ophthalmologist at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists checks your child’s vision and eye health and can diagnose the cause of any vision impairment including double vision.

How is double vision corrected?

The pediatric ophthalmologists and consultative pediatric optometrists at ABC Children's Eye Specialists provide specialized evaluation and treatment for double vision (diplopia) in children. A comprehensive eye examination helps identify the underlying cause, which may include eye misalignment (strabismus), eye muscle disorders, or other conditions affecting vision.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include prism glasses, medications, or surgical correction of eye misalignment when appropriate. Our team develops personalized treatment plans to improve eye alignment, visual comfort, and overall visual function.

For adults experiencing double vision related to strabismus or eye misalignment, specialized evaluations and treatment are available exclusively with Dr. James Plotnik at our Scottsdale location.

If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or eye health, call ABC Children’s Eye Specialists today to schedule an appointment.