Double vision, or diplopia, is a symptom to take seriously. Some causes of diplopia are relatively minor, but others need urgent medical attention. MedicoPK takes a look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for double vision. 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. It makes sense to consider the causes of diplopia according to the part of the visual system that has the problem. Double vision is not normal and should be reported promptly. Full Article: Double Vision (Diplopia): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Botulism can cause diplopia, too. You can get it from eating 'doubtful' canned food. Incubation is 18 - 36 hours (but may vary from 4 hours to 8 days). Symptoms (besides diplopia) include abdominal cramps, dry mouth and progressive paralysis. Diagnosis: C. botulinum toxin in serum of faeces or from isolation of suspected food. Initial management (in ICU): monitor pulse, oximetry and spirometry, early intubation with ventilatory and botulinum antitoxin IV.
