Diplopia, commonly known as double vision, is a visual phenomenon in which a person perceives a single object as two separate images. This duplication can occur continuously or intermittently, affecting one eye (monocular diplopia) or both eyes (binocular diplopia).
Causes:
The causes of diplopia are varied. In the case of monocular diplopia, which also occurs when the other eye is closed, the problems often lie directly in the affected eye, for example, due to astigmatism, cataracts or retinal diseases. Binocular diplopia occurs when the eyes are not aligned properly or working out of sync, which can indicate problems with the eye muscles, nerves that control eye movements, or issues in the brain.
Symptoms and diagnosis:
In addition to double vision, symptoms such as squinting, eye pain, headaches and nausea can occur. Diagnosis of diplopia requires a thorough ophthalmological examination. This includes vision tests, checking eye movements and alignment, and often imaging tests (e.g. MRI, DVT or CT) to determine the underlying causes.
Treatment:
Treatment for diplopia depends on its cause. In the case of monocular diplopia, optical aids such as glasses or contact lenses can often help. Depending on the cause, binocular diplopia may require prism glasses, eye muscle training, medication, or surgery.
Relevance in maxillofacial surgery:
Diplopia may play a role in maxillofacial surgery, mainly when facial or skull injuries affect the eye muscles or nerves. Therefore, careful consideration and planning are required for facial craniofacial surgery to minimize the risk of postoperative diplopia.
Diplopia is a symptom that can indicate various severe medical conditions. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial to avoid long-term vision problems and improve the quality of life of those affected.
