Experiencing double vision, or diplopia, while wearing contact lenses can be alarming. It's crucial to understand the potential causes, how to address the issue, and when professional medical attention is necessary. This comprehensive guide will explore these aspects, providing valuable insights and helping you navigate this common yet potentially serious problem.
What Causes Double Vision with Contacts?
Double vision with contacts isn't directly caused by the lenses themselves in most cases. Instead, it points to an underlying eye problem that the contacts might be exacerbating or revealing. Several factors can contribute:
- Refractive Error: A significant difference in refractive error between your eyes (anisometropia) can lead to double vision, even with correction. Contacts, while aiming to correct this, might not perfectly align the images your eyes send to your brain, resulting in diplopia.
- Eye Muscle Imbalance (Strabismus): This condition affects the muscles controlling eye movement. Contacts may not fully compensate for the misalignment, making double vision more noticeable. Strabismus can develop at any age.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, or brain tumors, can cause double vision. Similarly, some medications can have this as a side effect.
- Dry Eyes: Severe dryness can affect how your eyes focus and move, potentially leading to temporary double vision. Contact lenses, especially if not properly lubricated, can exacerbate this problem.
- Improper Contact Lens Fit: Ill-fitting contacts can strain your eye muscles, leading to discomfort and potentially double vision. This is especially true if the lenses are too tight or too loose.
- Incorrect Contact Lens Prescription: Wearing an outdated or incorrect prescription can strain the eyes, leading to double vision. Regular eye exams are crucial to prevent this.
Is Double Vision with Contacts Serious?
The seriousness of double vision with contacts depends entirely on the underlying cause. While sometimes it's a minor issue easily resolved, it can also be a symptom of a more significant health problem requiring immediate medical attention. Never ignore double vision.
When Should I See an Eye Doctor About Double Vision with Contacts?
You should seek immediate professional help if:
- The double vision is sudden or severe.
- You experience double vision along with other symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or vision loss.
- The double vision doesn't improve after removing your contact lenses.
- You experience double vision consistently, even after trying different solutions.
How Can I Fix Double Vision Caused by Contacts?
Addressing double vision necessitates identifying the root cause. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough eye exam, potentially including tests to evaluate eye muscle function and overall eye health. Treatment options vary depending on the diagnosis and might include:
- New Contact Lens Prescription: An updated prescription, if needed, is often the first step.
- Different Type of Contact Lenses: Switching to a different type of contact lens (e.g., daily disposables, toric lenses for astigmatism) might improve comfort and alleviate strain.
- Eye Muscle Exercises: In cases of mild strabismus, eye exercises prescribed by an ophthalmologist may help strengthen and coordinate eye muscles.
- Eye Drops: For dry eye, lubricating eye drops can provide relief and may reduce double vision.
- Prism Lenses: In some cases, corrective lenses incorporating prisms can help align the images seen by each eye, reducing or eliminating double vision.
- Underlying Medical Treatment: If the double vision stems from an underlying medical condition, treating the condition itself is crucial.
Can I Continue Wearing Contacts If I Have Double Vision?
This depends entirely on the cause. If the double vision is due to a minor issue like dry eyes or an ill-fitting lens, adjusting those factors might allow you to continue wearing contacts comfortably. However, if the double vision suggests a serious underlying condition, your eye doctor might recommend temporarily ceasing contact lens use until the root cause is identified and treated.
How Can I Prevent Double Vision While Wearing Contacts?
Prevention focuses on maintaining good eye health and proper contact lens hygiene:
- Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular check-ups with your eye doctor to ensure your prescription is up-to-date and your contact lenses fit correctly.
- Proper Contact Lens Hygiene: Follow your doctor's instructions for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing your contact lenses.
- Lubricating Eye Drops: Use lubricating eye drops regularly, especially if you experience dry eyes.
- Rest Your Eyes: Give your eyes regular breaks, especially if you spend long hours using computers or other digital devices.
Double vision with contacts warrants professional evaluation. Don't hesitate to contact your eye doctor if you experience this symptom. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing potential complications and ensuring optimal eye health.
