Wow Vision Therapy Blog
If You See Double, See Me! The Vision Problem You Shouldn’t Ignore
When someone asks me what kind of doctor I am, I often respond with a little humor:
“I’m a neuro-optometrist. So, if you see double, see me!”
It usually gets a smile. But behind that simple statement is an important message.
Double vision (diplopia) is not normal. And whether you’re a child or an adult, it may be a sign that your two eyes aren’t working together properly.
The good news? Most binocular vision problems that cause double vision can be treated.
Double Vision Isn’t Always Obvious
Some people experience obvious double vision, seeing two images of a single object. Others experience more subtle symptoms, such as words overlapping or moving when reading, difficulty focusing, eyestrain, headaches, or the need to close one eye to see comfortably.
But here’s something especially important:
Many children experiencing double vision don’t even realize something is wrong.
Consider a child with convergence insufficiency, a common binocular vision disorder in which the eyes struggle to work together when reading or doing close work.
Words may appear to move, overlap, or become double. Yet these children rarely tell their parents, “Hey Mom, I see double when I read!”
Why? Because they may have experienced this their entire lives and simply assume everyone sees the same way.
Instead, parents and teachers notice behaviors such as:
- Avoiding reading or homework
- Losing their place or rereading lines
- Poor reading fluency
- Difficulty maintaining attention and concentration
- Headaches, eyestrain, or fatigue
- Frustration with schoolwork
A child doesn’t have to complain of double vision to have a significant binocular vision problem.
Adults Experience Double Vision, Too
Adults may develop double vision following a concussion, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological event. Others have longstanding binocular vision problems that become increasingly difficult to compensate for.
Reading, computer work, driving, and everyday activities can become uncomfortable or exhausting.
Importantly, sudden or newly developed double vision requires prompt medical evaluation because it can sometimes signal a serious neurological or medical condition.
The Good News: There Is Help!
At Wow Vision Therapy, we specialize in evaluating how the eyes and brain work together.
A comprehensive developmental or neuro-optometric vision evaluation can identify problems with eye alignment, convergence, focusing, and binocular coordination that may be overlooked during a routine eye examination.
Sometimes relief can begin almost immediately!
Specially prescribed lenses or prisms can provide immediate relief for certain patients. And when appropriate, office-based vision therapy helps rehabilitate the binocular visual system to improve comfortable, efficient eye teaming and focusing.
Our goal isn’t simply to eliminate double vision. It’s to help patients read, learn, work, and enjoy everyday activities with greater visual comfort and confidence.
Don’t Wait Until Someone Says, “I See Double!”
Whether you’re experiencing double vision yourself or concerned about a child struggling with reading and attention, identifying the underlying problem is the first step.
If you see double—or suspect your child may be struggling with an undetected binocular vision problem—contact Wow Vision Therapy to schedule a developmental or neuro-optometric vision evaluation.
Because everyone deserves the opportunity to see comfortably, clearly, and confidently.
Dan L. Fortenbacher, O.D., FOVDR