What Causes “Double Vision”?

One eye health symptom we encounter is what we call “double vision,” or diplopia. While some causes of double vision are relatively insignificant, others are serious and should receive immediate medical attention.

Here are some of the common causes of double vision:

• Lens Problems. The most common lens problem that causes double vision is known Cataracts. Cataracts can affect and distort vision in one or both eyes, and are treatable with minor surgery.
• Corneal Problems. It’s common for double vision caused by an issue with the cornea to affect just one of your eyes. Corneal problems include corneal scars, dry corneas, and corneal infections.
• Muscle Problems.   A weak eye muscles can distort vision, as the week eye can no longer move smoothly with the healthy eye. Week eye muscles are seen in people with certain autoimmune illnesses and thyroid conditions.
• Nerve Problems. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes can damage to the nerves that control the eye muscles, leading to double vision.
• Brain Problems. The brain connects directly to nerves that control the eyes, and visual processing happens in the brain. Consequently, there are a number of brain problems that can lead to double vision, including strokes, brain tumors, migraines, brain trauma, and aneurysms.

Anytime someone reports having double vision, it’s important that we see them in the office to determine the cause and address the underlying reason for it!

Are You at Risk for Glaucoma?

It’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month, and I wanted to take a little time today to share with you the importance of being monitored for this “sneak thief of sight.”  Glaucoma slowly causes the loss of eyesight by damaging the optic nerve through high eye pressure.

Because symptoms often don’t accompany glaucoma and because it’s not usually painful, you may be suffering from this condition and not even know it. Thankfully, your eye doctor can monitor your risk levels if you stay committed to regular exams.

If you have any of the well-known risk factors for glaucoma and haven’t had an exam recently, you definitely need to be seen by your optometrist. Some risk factors to watch for include age (60 years or older), ethnicity (African-Americans and Hispanics are at a higher risk), family history, and steroid use (to treat serious asthmatic conditions). Others include diabetes, high-blood pressure, and high eye pressure levels.

If you fall into any of these categories, make an appointment with me today. And if you suffer from glaucoma, share your experience in the comments below.

Contact Lenses: Pros & Cons

Welcome back for the second half of our series on the pros and cons of both glasses and contact lenses. Today we’re looking at the pluses and minuses of contact lenses:

Pros:

• You don’t have to worry about any of the notorious fogging that comes with glasses and changes in climate.
• Some people prefer the way they look without glasses.
• Contact lenses are less cumbersome when you’re playing sports.

Cons:

• Contacts require the commitment of daily cleaning and care to avoid infections.
• While daily contact lenses reduce the need for regular care, they can be more costly.
• Contact lenses can cause an increased risk of dry, irritated eyes. They can also be difficult to remove or insert.

What’s your opinion? Share your thoughts on the glasses versus contacts debate in the comments below.

Glasses: Pros & Cons

Today we’re kicking off a two-part series on the pros and cons of both glasses and contact lenses. There are pluses and minuses to both, but today I’ll be focusing solely on glasses.

Pros:

• Depending on the glasses you purchase, they can be more affordable as they may not need to be replaced as often.
• Glasses have made a great comeback in recent years as a fun, stylish accessory. New, trendy frame styles abound.
• With glasses, you avoid an increased risk of dry eyes or eye infections.

Cons:

• Glasses do have the dreaded “fogging” issue—made worse depending on the area you live in, especially colder climates.
• Peripheral vision may be an issue, as glasses sit further away from your eyes.
• While maintenance is easier, a scratched lens or unadjusted frame can make wearing glasses uncomfortable.

Check back next week to see what the good, the bad, and the ugly is when it comes to contact lenses! And share your own thoughts on the glasses versus contacts debate in the comments below.