Double vision, or diplopia, is a symptom to take seriously. Some causes of diplopia are relatively minor, but others need urgent medical attention
What Causes Double Vision?
Opening your eyes and seeing a single, clear image is something you probably take for granted. But that seemingly automatic process depends on the orchestration of multiple areas of the vision system. They all need to work together seamlessly:
The cornea is the clear window into the eye. It does most of the focusing of incoming light.
The lens is behind the pupil. It also helps focus light onto the retina.
Muscles of the eye -- extraocular muscles -- rotate the eye.
Nerves carry visual information from the eyes to the brain.
The brain is where several areas process visual information from the eyes.
Problems with any part of the vision system can lead to double vision.
What Are the Symptoms of Double Vision?
Double vision can occur by itself with no other symptoms. Depending on the cause, other symptoms may be present with double vision, such as:
Misalignment of one or both eyes (a "wandering eye" or "cross-eyed" appearance)
Pain with eye movements in one or both eyes
Pain around the eyes, such as in the temples or eyebrows
Headache
Nausea
Weakness in the eyes or anywhere else
Droopy eyelids
What Causes Double Vision?
Opening your eyes and seeing a single, clear image is something you probably take for granted. But that seemingly automatic process depends on the orchestration of multiple areas of the vision system. They all need to work together seamlessly:
The cornea is the clear window into the eye. It does most of the focusing of incoming light.
The lens is behind the pupil. It also helps focus light onto the retina.
Muscles of the eye -- extraocular muscles -- rotate the eye.
Nerves carry visual information from the eyes to the brain.
The brain is where several areas process visual information from the eyes.
Problems with any part of the vision system can lead to double vision.
What Are the Symptoms of Double Vision?
Double vision can occur by itself with no other symptoms. Depending on the cause, other symptoms may be present with double vision, such as:
Misalignment of one or both eyes (a "wandering eye" or "cross-eyed" appearance)
Pain with eye movements in one or both eyes
Pain around the eyes, such as in the temples or eyebrows
Headache
Nausea
Weakness in the eyes or anywhere else
Droopy eyelids
