|
Related Articles | Abducens Nerve Palsy
Amblyopia
Aniridia
ARMD, Nonexudative
Astigmatism, Astigmatic Keratotomy
Astigmatism, LASIK
Botulism
Brown Syndrome
Cataract, Senile
Cataract, Traumatic
Cellulitis, Orbital
Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia
Contact Lens Complications
Convergence Insufficiency
Corneal Topography and Imaging
Duane Syndrome
Ectopia Lentis
Epimacular Membrane
Esotropia and Exotropia, A-patterns
Esotropia and Exotropia, V-patterns
Esotropia, Accommodative
Esotropia, Acquired
Esotropia, Infantile
Esotropia, with High AC/A Ratio
Exophthalmos
Exotropia, Acquired
Extraocular Muscles, Actions
Extraocular Muscles, Anatomy
Foreign Body, Intraocular
Headache, Children
Headache, Migraine
Hemangioma, Cavernous
Herpes Zoster
Hyperopia and Presbyopia, Conductive Keratoplasty
Hyperopia, LASIK
Hyperopia, Phakic IOL
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Intraocular Lens Decentration
Intraocular Lens Dislocation
Keratoconus
Laceration, Corneoscleral
Meningioma, Sphenoid Wing
Monofixation Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis
Myasthenia Gravis
Myopia, Clear Lens Extraction
Myopia, Intracorneal Rings
Myopia, LASIK
Myopia, Phakic IOL
Myopia, PRK
Myopia, Radial Keratotomy
Neuro-ophthalmic Examination
Neuro-ophthalmic History
Neurofibromatosis-1
Oculomotor Nerve Palsy
Orbital Fracture, Floor
Orbital Fracture, Medial Wall
Orbital Fracture, Zygomatic
Pellucid Marginal Degeneration
Pituitary Apoplexy
Pterygium
Scleritis
Thyroid Ophthalmopathy
Trochlear Nerve Palsy
Tumors, Orbital
Wernicke Encephalopathy
Wilson Disease
|
|
You are in: eMedicine Specialties >
Ophthalmology > NEUROLOGIC DISORDERS
Diplopia
Article Last Updated: Sep 2, 2008
AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATION
Section 1 of 10
Author: Izak F Wessels, MB, BCh, MMed, FRCSE, FRCO, BSc, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Chattanooga Unit, University of Tennessee College of Medicine; Private Practice in Comprehensive and Surgical Ophthalmology, Allied Eye Associates
Izak F Wessels is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, and Royal College of Surgeons of England
Editors: Andrew W Lawton, MD, Medical Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, Section of Ophthalmology, Baptist Eye Center, Baptist Health Medical Center; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Brian R Younge, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine; Ralph Garzia, OD, Assistant Dean for Clinical Programs, Associate Professor, School of Optometry, University of Missouri at St Louis; Hampton Roy Sr, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Author and Editor Disclosure
Synonyms and related keywords:
diplopia, double vision, binocular diplopia, monocular diplopia, heteronymous diplopia, crossed diplopia, direct diplopia, homonymous diplopia, simple diplopia, physiologic diplopia, mental diplopia, blurred vision, seeing double
Background
The term diplopia is derived from 2 Greek words: diplous, meaning double, and ops, meaning eye. Diplopia (double vision) is a common subjective complaint, or diplopia may be elicited during the course of an eye examination. Diplopia is often the first manifestation of many systemic disorders, especially muscular or neurologic processes. An accurate, clear description of the symptoms (eg, constant or intermittent; variable or unchanging; at near or at far; with one eye [monocular] or with both eyes [binocular]; horizontal, vertical, or oblique) is critical to appropriate diagnosis and management. Binocular diplopia can be corrected by covering either eye; monocular diplopia persists in one eye despite covering the other eye. Physiologic diplopia is a normal phenomenon depending on the alignment of the ocular axes with the objects of regard (eg, focusing on a finger held close results in distant objects being blurry but double). Animal models Unless the visual fields of the eyes overlap, binocular diplopia cannot occur. Among vertebrates, the potential for diplopia (and for stereoscopic depth perception) depends on where the eyes are located in the head. Eyes located on either side of the head provide a wide visual field but with a less overlapped visual field. These animals have less field for binocular vision and less risk for diplopia when one eye becomes misaligned. However, when both eyes are located in the front of the head, a greater visual field overlap exists and, thus, a better binocular depth perception, as frequently seen in predators. Misalignment of such eyes may result in diplopia. Monocular diplopia is often due to optical aberrations resulting in multiple images. The eyes of birds demonstrate many unique anatomical features, one of which is the presence of multiple foveae and, in some cases, a streak fovea linking 2 foveae. Thus, they may be able to have 2 separate areas of regard without disabling diplopia. How the visual perception occurs in these cases remains debatable.
Pathophysiology
Binocular diplopia (or true diplopia) is a breakdown in the fusional capacity of the binocular system. The normal neuromuscular coordination cannot maintain correspondence of the visual objects on the retinas of the 2 eyes. Rarely, fusion cannot occur because of dissimilar image size, which can occur after changes in the optical function of the eye following refractive surgery (eg, LASIK) or after a cataract is replaced by an intraocular lens. The distortion of one image may be interpreted as diplopia by the patient; however, the same object does not appear to be in 2 places but rather appears differently with each eye. Monocular diplopia may occur from abnormal ocular media (eg, corneal distortion or scarring, multiple openings in the iris, cataract or subluxation of the natural lens or pseudophakic lens implant, vitreous abnormalities, retinal conditions). Monocular diplopia must be distinguished from metamorphopsia, in which objects appear misshapen.
Frequency
United States
No figures are available as to prevalence of diplopia in the United States.
International
International incidence rates of diplopia are unknown.
Mortality/Morbidity
Divergent pathological processes, each with its own morbidity and mortality, can cause diplopia. However, irrespective of cause, diplopia has significant morbidity in terms of difficulty with depth perception and confusion with orientation of objects, especially when performing visually demanding tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating tools. Therefore, in assessing visual disability after injuries, loss of binocularity accounts for a major percentage of loss of function.
Race
No information is available regarding differences in various racial groups.
Sex
No information is available suggesting differences in prevalence with respect to sex.
Age
Diplopia is encountered almost exclusively in adults or in those with mature visual systems because of the following:
- Young children may not be able to express this symptom. More importantly, the immature visual system deals with diplopia by suppressing the poorer image, possibly resulting in irreversible amblyopia. Children with obvious and marked ocular malalignment from strabismus are comfortable and content because the visual image from the deviating eye is suppressed and not noticed.
- In contrast, adults who have mature visual processing pathways cannot easily ignore the second image. Wearing a patch over one eye to prevent visual confusion usually is the only option for these patients.
History
A clear and comprehensive history is the single most useful evaluation in treating patients with diplopia. The patient typically presents with a history of double vision, where single objects appear as double. Specific inquiry as to onset, progression, and variability with head posture or gaze direction, as well as previous similar episodes (especially if associated with other neurologic symptoms) and/or spontaneous resolution, is very helpful in the diagnosis and management of diplopia.
- Three important symptoms should be elicited, as follows:
- Does covering either eye make the diplopia disappear? This test helps to rule out monocular diplopia, which persists in one eye even if the other eye is covered.
- Is the deviation the same in all directions of gaze or by tilting and rotating the head into different positions? This suggests a comitant deviation, with no difference in separation of the images in all directions of gaze. When the extent of deviation changes (and indeed possibly disappears in a given direction), then the deviation is incomitant and suggests a problem with innervation, most likely a paretic muscle.
- Is the second object displaced horizontally (side-by-side images) or vertically (images above each other)? Oblique diplopia (images separated horizontally and vertically) should be considered as a manifestation of vertical diplopia.
- The traditional and detailed evaluation of the chief complaint includes onset (abrupt or slow), severity, duration, location, associated symptoms, and aggravating and relieving factors. A comprehensive and complete review of all these aspects, if necessary with a questionnaire, is more important than the appropriate physical examination or special tests.
- Other significant aspects include a review of systems (eg, history of diabetes, vascular disease, or hypertension; headache and other neurologic complaints; muscle fatigue or weakness; medications and drugs being used), as well as a past medical and surgical history.
- Inquire about recent trauma to the face and the head. Blunt injury to the cheek can result in a blow-out fracture of the orbit with hematoma or entrapment of the soft tissues and extraocular muscles, restricting upward and downward eye movement. Entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle can be confirmed by a forced duction test. Blunt head injury may also be associated with nonspecific sixth cranial nerve (abducens) weakness and severe diplopia when gazing to the affected side.
Physical
Evaluate the ocular system with respect to 2 specific aspects: first, physiologically (in turn also with 2 aspects, ie, sensory function and motor function), and, second, anatomically. - The first aspect of the physiologic evaluation includes the sensory component.
- Confirm that the symptom is monocular or binocular. Does covering each eye in turn alleviate the problem, or does the diplopia persist despite covering the "good" opposite eye? Monocular diplopia is very uncommon. Possible causes include severe corneal deformity or marked astigmatism (keratoconus), multiple pupils or openings in the iris, refractive anomalies within the eye (early cataracts or partially displaced lenses as in Marfan syndrome), as well as retinal abnormalities (macular scarring and distortion).
- Evaluate the magnitude of difference in spectacle correction required for each eye. Marked differences between the eyes (anisometropia) will frequently produce disabling diplopia, especially in extremes of gaze.
- Determine the visual acuity in each eye separately, with and without spectacle correction and with a pinhole. Does a pinhole improve the visual acuity, or does it improve monocular diplopia? Major improvement in visual acuity with a pinhole suggests intraocular or refractive problems.
- Evaluate the visual field by confrontation testing or formal visual field mapping to detect possible space occupying masses impinging on the visual pathways and/or cranial motor nerves. With severely constricted fields, the peripheral clues for fusion may be lacking, resulting in diplopia.
- Determine how various directions of gaze modify the diplopia. Is the diplopia the same in the 9 cardinal directions of gaze? This includes straight ahead (primary gaze), to each side as well as up and down while looking toward that side, and straight up and down from the primary position. This evaluation can enhance subtle weaknesses of individual muscles that may not be apparent during testing of the range of movements.
- Evaluate how tilting the head to the left or to the right alters the diplopia. The double vision will increase when the head is tilted to the same side if vertical diplopia is present due to weakness of the superior oblique muscle (innervated by the fourth cranial nerve [trochlear nerve]). Eliciting increases or decreases in the separation of the 2 images is an essential part of the Park three-step test.
- Evaluate the integrity of the other cranial nerves (eg, facial sensation [trigeminal nerve], facial muscle movements).
- The motor aspect of the physiologic evaluation includes the following:
- Determine the existence of a normal range of ocular movements. First observe each eye separately (ocular ductions), and then observe both eyes together (ocular versions). Careful consideration of the extraocular muscle anatomy clarifies the effect of each muscle and why one direction of gaze isolates each muscle's effects.
- Determine that each eye is able to fully adduct (turn inward) and abduct (turn outward) and to fully elevate and depress in abduction and adduction (as if the eye is tracing a capital letter "H").
- This helps to determine which eye muscle is responsible for diplopia; normal contraction of the medial rectus muscle produces adduction, while abduction is caused by the lateral rectus muscle. Because the vertical eye muscles diverge from their origination at the apex of the orbit to the insertion on the globe, the superior and inferior recti muscles can be evaluated best with the eye abducted.
- With the eye abducted, the eye will move down by the inferior rectus muscle, while the superior rectus muscle will move it upward in abduction. Likewise, the oblique muscles can be isolated with the eye adducted; with the eye turned in, the inferior oblique muscle elevates and the superior oblique muscle depresses the eye. A simple rule for superior oblique weakness is "the eye that is looks highest in adduction is pointing at the affected superior oblique muscle."
- Determine if diplopia worsens when the muscles are fatigued (eg, after strenuous use, at the end of the day). Myasthenia gravis can affect any muscle or group of muscles, and a common presenting symptom is variable diplopia. If myasthenia gravis is suspected, its diagnosis can be confirmed by intravenously injecting a short-acting anticholinesterase (ie, 10 mg/mL edrophonium chloride [Tensilon]). See Other Tests.
- Determine that other ocular motor functions are normal.
- Is the lid in a normal position?
- Is the pupil response normal and symmetric with the other pupil? Pupil asymmetry is a sinister sign when associated with diplopia because it indicates involvement of the third cranial nerve (oculomotor nerve). An important diagnostic clue is provided by detecting pupil sparing but otherwise complete third nerve palsy (eg, ptosis; inability to elevate, depress, or abduct the eye). A pupil whose function is spared, particularly if associated with complaints of headache or pain around the orbit, is virtually diagnostic of diabetic third nerve palsy. This can avoid expensive and unnecessary imaging studies. Complete and spontaneous recovery after approximately 6 weeks is virtually the rule. Similar temporary mononeuritis multiplex processes can affect the sixth cranial nerve (abducens) with temporary loss of abduction.
- The anatomical evaluation includes inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
- Inspect the head position, eyes, eyelids, orbits, and face for symmetry or displacement (upward, downward; proptosis, enophthalmos). Ptosis of the upper eyelid indicates possible third nerve lesions, while eyelid retraction suggests thyroid ophthalmopathy. Abnormal head position (especially tilting the head to one side) suggests superior oblique muscle palsy.
- Note inflammation or vascular congestion that may be suggestive of orbital cellulitis, orbital tumors (rhabdomyosarcoma), arteriovenous malformation (carotid cavernous fistula), and thyroid ophthalmopathy. Palpate the orbital rim for fractures and any absences (eg, encephalocele). Palpate soft tissues surrounding the eye for tumors. Gently push on the closed eyelid to determine increased resistance (fullness of the orbit), comparing one eye to the other eye. This may disclose orbital disorders (eg, fractures, tumors).
- Perform percussion over the bony orbital rim to disclose focal tenderness from sinus inflammation.
- Auscultate the closed eye for the bruit of a carotid cavernous fistula.
Causes
Abducens Nerve Palsy
Amblyopia
Aniridia
ARMD, Nonexudative
Astigmatism, Astigmatic Keratotomy
Astigmatism, LASIK
Botulism
Brown Syndrome
Cataract, Senile
Cataract, Traumatic
Cellulitis, Orbital
Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia
Contact Lens Complications
Convergence Insufficiency
Corneal Topography and Imaging
Duane Syndrome
Ectopia Lentis
Epimacular Membrane
Esotropia and Exotropia, A-patterns
Esotropia and Exotropia, V-patterns
Esotropia, Accommodative
Esotropia, Acquired
Esotropia, Infantile
Esotropia, with High AC/A Ratio
Exophthalmos
Exotropia, Acquired
Extraocular Muscles, Actions
Extraocular Muscles, Anatomy
Foreign Body, Intraocular
Headache, Children
Headache, Migraine
Hemangioma, Cavernous
Herpes Zoster
Hyperopia and Presbyopia, Conductive Keratoplasty
Hyperopia, LASIK
Hyperopia, Phakic IOL
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Intraocular Lens Decentration
Intraocular Lens Dislocation
Keratoconus
Laceration, Corneoscleral
Meningioma, Sphenoid Wing
Monofixation Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis
Myasthenia Gravis
Myopia, Clear Lens Extraction
Myopia, Intracorneal Rings
Myopia, LASIK
Myopia, Phakic IOL
Myopia, PRK
Myopia, Radial Keratotomy
Neuro-ophthalmic Examination
Neuro-ophthalmic History
Neurofibromatosis-1
Oculomotor Nerve Palsy
Orbital Fracture, Floor
Orbital Fracture, Medial Wall
Orbital Fracture, Zygomatic
Pellucid Marginal Degeneration
Pituitary Apoplexy
Pterygium
Scleritis
Thyroid Ophthalmopathy
Trochlear Nerve Palsy
Tumors, Orbital
Wernicke Encephalopathy
Wilson Disease
Other Problems to be Considered
Malingering/hysteria Middle ear disease with vertigo Anisometropia Diabetic mononeuritis multiplex Encephalocele Polycoria As with any subjective complaint, individuals who are hysterical or malingering may complain of diplopia (double vision). Photopsias and scotomas that occur during the aura of classic migraine may be interpreted erroneously as diplopia. Since the visual axes can only really coincide in one location in three-dimensional space, objects in front of or behind appear double. This can be demonstrated easily by focusing on a finger held out at an arm's length. Objects behind the finger appear blurry and double. Shifting the focus to an object in the same direction but behind the finger results in the object becoming single, while the finger appears blurry and double. Suddenly becoming aware of this diplopia represents a disorder of higher cerebral function.
Lab Studies
- Perform laboratory studies as indicated by aspects disclosed after a comprehensive history and physical examination with emphasis on ocular findings and neurologic screening.
Imaging Studies
- Evaluate old photographs to determine if a head posture (if present) is long-standing. Commonly, a congenitally weak superior oblique muscle can be compensated for by head tilt, but osteoarthritis of the neck or other mechanism can result in decompensation and sudden symptoms of a chronic subclinical condition.
- Order CT scan or MRI (with contrast) of the skull and orbits to rule out intracranial masses or other pathologic processes, such as the following:
- A blow-out fracture requires imaging of the orbital floor.
- Enlarged muscles from thyroid ophthalmopathy help explain a vertical diplopia.
- Tumor of orbit
- Tumor along cranial nerve pathway
- Increased intracranial pressure can account for bilateral abducens palsy.
- Aneurysm of intracranial carotid artery
- Carotid cavernous fistula: Angiography may be required to confirm the presence of a low-flow fistula.
- Disease of sinuses (eg, infection, tumor) or bony disorders (eg, dysostoses, encephalocele) can account for displacement of the eye.
Other Tests
- Tensilon test is performed to exclude myasthenia gravis.
- Intravenous injection of a short-acting anticholinesterase (ie, 10 mg/mL edrophonium chloride [Tensilon]) should be part of the initial workup of a patient with diplopia. Draw up 1 mL, and establish venous access. Then, inject a test dose of 1 mg intravenously to exclude possible hypersensitivity; if no adverse effect is evident, inject the remaining 9 mg.
- The expected (normal) cholinergic response includes salivation; lacrimation; flushing; and a brief, but often quite dramatic, reversal of muscle weakness with temporary correction of diplopia and/or ptosis. Occasionally, an excessive cholinergic response may result in increased vagal tone with serious bradyarrhythmias; atropine (0.5 mg) should be available as an antidote.
- Other myopathies (eg, progressive external ophthalmoplegia, myotonia) do not respond to anticholinesterases.
- Forced duction test: If a lack of movement of one eye occurs in a given direction, excluding a tethered (or fibrotic) muscle may be helpful. Evaluate whether the globe can be passively moved toward the affected area. Traditionally, a forceps is used (after topical anesthesia) to grasp the limbus, and then the eye can be gently tugged in the desired direction. It may be possible to achieve the same result less traumatically by using a cotton wool bud (soaked in topical anesthetic) to "push" on the limbus in the desired direction.
- Lee screen: This highly specialized test separates the field of vision of the 2 eyes. With one eye, the subject fixates on the corners of a rectangle. The other eye is used to visualize the placement of a marker on the same location. Any overaction or underaction will become evident; when one eye has a weak muscle, it will not move as much as the other eye. However, if that eye is used to fixate, the excessive stimulation required will result in an overshoot of the normal yoke muscle in the opposite eye.
- Park three-step test
- The Park three-step test can help elucidate which of the 4 extraocular muscles responsible for vertical eye movements are responsible for a vertical diplopia. Although first appearing impossibly complex, this test follows a logical progression to progressively eliminate groups of muscles from the 4 pairs.
- First, determine which eye appears higher with the head in a normal position. Then, determine which eye is higher with gaze to the left or to the right (ie, with the head turned to the right and then turned to the left). Lastly, determine which eye is higher with the head tilted left and tilted right. (The patient can also help by commenting about when the diplopia is worse.) Then, answer the questions in the following steps:
- Step 1: Is the left eye or the right eye higher in primary gaze? This reduces the possibilities of muscles from 4 pairs to 2 pairs. For example, if the right eye is higher, the weakness resides either in the muscles depressing the right eye (right superior oblique muscle and right inferior rectus muscle) or in the elevators of the left eye (left superior rectus muscle and left inferior oblique muscle).
- Step 2: Is the deviation greater with left head turn or with right head turn? This step reduces the alternatives to only one pair of muscles. If the right eye deviates most when the head is turned to the right (both eyes are turning to the left), then only the right superior oblique muscle or the left superior rectus muscle remains.
- Step 3: Is the deviation greatest with tilting the head to the left or to the right? Called the Bielschowsky head tilt, it relies on the torsional balancing reflexes provoked by head tilt. The higher eye extorts (because of the inferior oblique muscle), while the lower eye intorts (because of the superior oblique muscle).
- By combining steps 1-3, only one muscle remains as the culprit. This test requires a logical analysis and the exclusion of alternative possibilities. However, the astute clinician can greatly simplify this process by recognizing that the superior oblique muscle is by far most likely to be responsible for a vertical diplopia. A head tilt to the same side as the involved muscle exacerbates the problem. A very simple rule of thumb is that "the eye that is highest in adduction looks at the affected muscle."
- The severity of the diplopia can be quantified by plotting the field of single binocular vision on a Goldmann perimeter (when available) or by using either a device to standardize the head position or a questionnaire.
- The Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device uses a head-mounted device with direction indicators to reproduce specific gaze positions (10 degrees and 30 degrees up; down, left, right, straight ahead, and reading position).
- The questionnaire assigns a score of 6 if the diplopia is always present straight ahead, a score of 4 if the diplopia is present in the down, right, left, and reading position, and a score of 2 if the diplopia is present in upgaze. The scores are halved if the diplopia is sometimes present in these gaze directions.
Medical Care
- Patching one eye: Patching is often required, since the patient has to continue functioning while awaiting resolution or intervention.
- Stick-on occlusive lenses can be applied to glasses to minimize the cosmetic handicap of a patched eye, while sufficiently blurring the one eye to minimize disabling double vision.
- Fresnel prisms: These prisms can be stuck to glasses. Although these prisms are only appropriate if a stable deviation is present across all directions of gaze, they severely blur the image from that eye and function in many ways like an occlusive lens.
- Treatment of myasthenia gravis: Mestinon or other long-acting anticholinergic agent, as well as corticosteroids, may be required.
Surgical Care
- Strabismus surgery is occasionally necessary. The typical recession/resection is rarely indicated due to the one muscle often being permanently weak, and any standard surgery will lose effect over time. Exceptions include a blow-out fracture when the release of the entrapped soft tissues from the fracture in the floor of the orbit can be very effective.
- Transposition surgery (Hummelsheim surgery): With permanent paralysis of the lateral rectus muscle, overcoming the unopposed tone of the medial rectus muscle is possible by splitting the superior and inferior recti muscles and by reinserting the lateral half of each muscle at the lateral rectus insertion. Otherwise, any recession of the medial rectus muscle will be of only temporary benefit. Despite achieving single vision straight ahead, the diplopia will persist with gaze toward the paralytic muscle.
- Knapp superior oblique muscle paralysis: With permanent weakness of the superior oblique muscle, it is possible to weaken the yoke muscle of the opposite eye (superior rectus muscle) as well as the direct antagonist (inferior oblique muscle) in the same eye, together with a shortening of the affected muscle, to minimize the deviation.
- Chemodenervation: This helps prevent the contracture in eyes with extraocular muscle paresis, especially when return of function is expected. Multiple injections over several months of botulinum toxin into the medial rectus muscle reduce contracture due to a weak lateral rectus from a sixth nerve paralysis. The effect may be more permanent than expected; the opposing un-injected muscle may develop a degree of permanent shortening and contracture.
Consultations
- Diabetologist: Isolated cranial nerve weakness (eg, typically third or sixth cranial nerve) indicates a microangiopathy of diabetes. A review of the appropriateness of diabetic control is indicated.
- An endocrinologist specializing in thyroid disorders may be required to control the metabolic disorder associated with severe Graves disease.
- An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may be required for sinus diseases and blow-out fractures.
- A neurologic or neurosurgical opinion may be beneficial to evaluate cranial nerve palsies.
Activity
Patients with diplopia should avoid driving or operating machinery, at least until they have adapted to wearing a patch over one eye.
Apart from specific treatments for given conditions (eg, Mestinon for myasthenia gravis, steroid pulse for multiple sclerosis and pseudotumor cerebri), no medications relieve diplopia.
Further Outpatient Care
- Further outpatient care is dependent on the type of diplopia (double vision) and the treatment started.
Complications
- In infants and young children, diplopia can result in suppression and amblyopia of the nondominant eye.
Prognosis
- The causes of diplopia can vary from a mild inconvenience to a condition with major health consequences.
- As a rule, patients with diabetic mononeuritis multiplex recover spontaneously in approximately 6 weeks.
- Optical causes (eg, lens dislocation, corneal disorders) are amenable to repair.
- Blow-out fractures have a variable prognosis depending on the amount of tissue damage.
- Central (neurologic) causes of diplopia can have serious consequences and, in the case of primary or secondary tumors, have a dire prognosis.
Patient Education
- Patients must be educated on the importance of determining the exact cause of diplopia, since some conditions responsible for diplopia may be very serious. Otherwise, a clear explanation of the condition, its natural history, alternative options, and general prognosis will alleviate patient concerns and motivate perseverance.
- For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Eye and Vision Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Black Eye.
Medical/Legal Pitfalls
- Identifying the type of diplopia, as well as sharing thoughts and concerns with the patient, helps to reduce the medical/legal pitfalls. Although no published requirements exist for limiting driving or operating hazardous equipment while experiencing diplopia, it is obvious that the patient's depth perception and judgment may be severely limited by an inability of the eyes to function together, thereby implicating health care providers who neglect to provide timely warnings and cautions.
Special Concerns
- Diplopia indicates a mature visual perception system. In young children, diplopia will result in suppression of one image and, if persistent, may result in permanent visual loss (amblyopia) in that eye. Compelling the use of both eyes in a timely fashion is critical. This can be achieved by patching or atropine penalization of the dominant eye and by implementing such therapy as indicated to remedy the cause of the diplopia and to permit visual development in both eyes.
- Anderson MW, Sharma K, Feeney CM. Wound botulism associated with black tar heroin. Acad Emerg Med. Aug 1997;4(8):805-9. [Medline].
- Astin CL. The use of occluding tinted contact lenses. CLAO J. Apr 1998;24(2):125-7. [Medline].
- Batocchi AP, Evoli A, Majolini L, et al. Ocular palsies in the absence of other neurological or ocular symptoms: analysis of 105 cases. J Neurol. Oct 1997;244(10):639-45. [Medline].
- Berman EL. Clues in the eye: ocular signs of metabolic and nutritional disorders. Geriatrics. Jul 1995;50(7):34-6, 43-4. [Medline].
- Bielschowski A. Disturbance of vertical motor muscles of the eyes. Arch Ophthalmol. 1938;20:175-200.
- Brazis PW, Lee AG. Binocular vertical diplopia. Mayo Clin Proc. Jan 1998;73(1):55-66. [Medline].
- Campbell C. Corneal aberrations, monocular diplopia, and ghost images: analysis using corneal topographical data. Optom Vis Sci. Mar 1998;75(3):197-207. [Medline].
- Capo H, Roth E, Johnson T, et al. Vertical strabismus after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. Jun 1996;103(6):918-21. [Medline].
- Dengis CA, Steinbach MJ, Ono H, et al. Learning to look with one eye: the use of head turn by normals and strabismics. Vision Res. Oct 1996;36(19):3237-42. [Medline].
- Fingeret M. Forced duction test. In: Atlas of Primary Eyecare Procedures. Norwalk, Conn: Appleton & Lange; 1990:138-44.
- Fowler MS, Wade DT, Richardson AJ, et al. Squints and diplopia seen after brain damage. J Neurol. Jan 1996;243(1):86-90. [Medline].
- Galimberti CA, Versino M, Sartori I, et al. Epileptic skew deviation. Neurology. May 1998;50(5):1469-72. [Medline].
- Gladstone GJ. Ophthalmologic aspects of thyroid-related orbitopathy. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. Mar 1998;27(1):91-100. [Medline].
- Goldenberg AS. Transient diplopia as a result of block injections. Mandibular and posterior superior alveolar. N Y State Dent J. May 1997;63(5):29-31. [Medline].
- Hahn JS, Berquist W, Alcorn DM, et al. Wernicke encephalopathy and beriberi during total parenteral nutrition attributable to multivitamin infusion shortage. Pediatrics. Jan 1998;101(1):E10. [Medline].
- Hatt SR, Leske DA, Holmes JM. Comparing methods of quantifying diplopia. Ophthalmology. Dec 2007;114(12):2316-22. [Medline].
- Hayreh SS, Podhajsky PA, Zimmerman B. Occult giant cell arteritis: ocular manifestations. Am J Ophthalmol. Apr 1998;125(4):521-6. [Medline].
- Holmes JM, Leske DA, Kupersmith MJ. New methods for quantifying diplopia. Ophthalmology. Nov 2005;112(11):2035-9. [Medline].
- Ing E, Kennerdell JS. The evaluation and treatment of extraocular motility deficits. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Oct 1997;30(5):877-92. [Medline].
- Kasner SE, Liu GT, Galetta SL. Neuro-ophthalmologic aspects of aneurysms. Neuroimaging Clin N Am. Nov 1997;7(4):679-92. [Medline].
- Kolling GH. [Reflections on expert assessment of double vision and forced head position]. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. Jan 1996;208(1):63-5. [Medline].
- Kushner BJ, Kowal L. Diplopia after refractive surgery: occurrence and prevention. Arch Ophthalmol. Mar 2003;121(3):315-21. [Medline].
- Kutschke PJ. Taking a history of the patient with diplopia. Insight. Sep 1996;21(3):92-5. [Medline].
- Lasley DJ, Kivlin J, Rich L, et al. Stereo-discrimination between diplopic images in clinically normal observers. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. Nov 1984;25(11):1316-20. [Medline].
- Marzo ME, Perez Lopez-Fraile I, Capablo JL, et al. [Ocular myasthenia: clinical course and strategies for treatment]. Rev Neurol. Mar 1998;26(151):398-400. [Medline].
- Miller NR. Lesions of the supranuclear ocular motor pathways. In: Walsh and Hoyt's Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology. 4th ed. Baltimore, Md: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1985:707-715.
- Muneer A, Jones NS, Bradley PJ, et al. ENT pathology and diplopia. Eye. 1998;12 (Pt 4):672-8. [Medline].
- Ottar WL. Diplopia: double the fun! Part 1: History taking. Insight. Dec 1998;23(4):119-25. [Medline].
- Phillips PH. Treatment of diplopia. Semin Neurol. Jul 2007;27(3):288-98. [Medline].
- Richardson LD, Joyce DM. Diplopia in the emergency department. Emerg Med Clin North Am. Aug 1997;15(3):649-64. [Medline].
- Rucker JC. Oculomotor disorders. Semin Neurol. Jul 2007;27(3):244-56. [Medline].
- Safran AB, Vibert D, Häusler R. [Vestibular neuritis: a frequently unrecognized cause of diplopia]. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. May 1995;206(5):413-5. [Medline].
- Schachat AP. Diplopia. In: Diagnostic Diagrams: Ophthalmology. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1984:101-107.
- Seminari E, Cocchi L, Antoniazzi E, et al. [Clinical significance of diplopia in HIV infection. Assessment of a personal caseload and review of the literature]. Minerva Med. Nov 1996;87(11):515-23. [Medline].
- Shumrick KA, Kersten RC, Kulwin DR, et al. Criteria for selective management of the orbital rim and floor in zygomatic complex and midface fractures. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Apr 1997;123(4):378-84. [Medline].
- Stangler-Zuschrott E. [Disturbing physiologic diplopia (author's transl)]. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. Mar 1979;174(3):370-3. [Medline].
- Werner SC. Modification of the classification of the eye changes of Graves' disease: recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee of the American Thyroid Association. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jan 1977;44(1):203-4. [Medline].
- Woods RL, Bradley A, Atchison DA. Monocular diplopia caused by ocular aberrations and hyperopic defocus. Vision Res. Nov 1996;36(22):3597-606. [Medline].
Diplopia excerpt Article Last Updated: Sep 2, 2008
|