What Causes Double Vision in One Eye?
There are many reasons for double vision in one eye (monocular diplopia). Most of them aren’t a cause for concern.
Oftentimes, it’s related to your eye’s cornea or lens. The muscles and nerves that control your overall eye function can also cause vision.
Other common causes of monocular diplopia include:
- Refractive errors. High degrees of astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness can cause light to bend incorrectly into your eye, resulting in double vision.
- Corneal problems. Conditions like keratoconus, pterygium, dry eye, scars, or irregularities in the cornea's shape can lead to monocular diplopia.
- Lens abnormalities. Cataracts, abnormal lens shapes, or lens displacement can cause monocular diplopia.
- Other eye conditions. Tear film problems, vitreous opacities, and retinal abnormalities can trigger monocular diplopia.
- Other health conditions. Conditions like myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and hyperthyroidism can weaken eye muscles resulting in monocular diplopia.
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Monocular Diplopia: Double Vision in One Eye
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Monocular Diplopia vs. Binocular Diplopia
Monocular diplopia is different from binocular diplopia. The main difference refers to the persistence when the eye is shut.
Monocular diplopia happens in one eye even if you cover the other eye. You can typically correct it using pinhole glasses. On the other hand, binocular diplopia usually happens when both eyes are open, and you can typically correct it by covering either eye.
The symptoms of monocular diplopia include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Difficulty seeing
- Double vision
- Blurry vision
- Discomfort with eye movement
- Trouble reading
How is Monocular Diplopia Diagnosed?
If you're experiencing double vision in one eye, consult an eye doctor. They’ll conduct a comprehensive eye exam, including a thorough assessment of your cornea, lens, and retina.
They may perform additional tests like:
- Eye test. Your doctor will check your vision and look for any signs of eye disease.
- Neurological test. Your doctor may perform a neurological exam to check your reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination.
- MRI scan. An MRI scan can help detect any abnormalities in the brain or other parts of the body that could be causing double vision
- Blood tests. Blood tests can help rule out any underlying medical conditions causing double vision.
When Should You See A Doctor?
If your vision in one eye is poor or worsening, you should see a doctor. Although some causes of monocular diplopia may not be serious, like a refractive error, they can be dangerous.
For example, having double vision in one eye could be a sign of a stroke or a brain aneurysm. One common stroke symptom is vision changes, which means you can lose vision in one of your eyes.
Treatment for Double Vision in One Eye
Once the underlying cause is identified, your doctor can recommend appropriate treatment options. For example, if your double vision is caused by refractive errors, your doctor may recommend corrective glasses or contact lenses.
If it’s caused by dry eye or other eye conditions, specific medications or eye drops may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. For more complex cases, such as cataracts or keratoconus, surgery may be necessary to restore normal vision.
In situations where other options are not suitable, vision therapy exercises may help. These exercises can improve how your eyes work together and improve double vision. Lastly, if you have had brain tumors, a stroke, or another life-threatening condition, you will need to seek immediate medical attention.
How to Manage Double Vision in One Eye
Experiencing monocular diplopia can feel overwhelming, especially regarding everyday tasks that once seemed simple. Fortunately, there are practical ways to adjust and manage this condition so that you can continue to live your life fully.
For instance, you can wear an eye patch over the affected eye to temporarily eliminate double vision while doing tasks. You can set up proper lighting and high contrast between objects to minimize visual confusion.
If you enjoy reading but find it challenging due to double vision, magnifying glasses or large-print materials can be a game-changer. They enlarge the text and make it easier to focus, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite books and newspapers.
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