Double vision, or diplopia, can be alarming at any age. It causes one object to appear as two, often side by side or overlapping. While the symptom may seem the same, its causes and treatment approaches differ significantly between adults and children. Understanding these differences can help ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate care.

 

Causes of Double Vision in Adults

In adults, double vision often develops due to underlying health conditions or trauma. Common causes include:

•          Nerve or muscle dysfunction: Conditions such as diabetes, stroke, or multiple sclerosis can affect the nerves controlling eye movement.

•          Head injury: Even a mild concussion can temporarily disrupt eye alignment.

•          Eye muscle imbalance: Sometimes, an existing eye alignment issue that was once compensated for may worsen with age or fatigue.

•          Cataracts or corneal irregularities: Changes in the eye’s lens or surface can distort visual input, leading to diplopia.

Adults experiencing double vision should visit an eye doctor in Jenkintown promptly for a comprehensive evaluation. Early diagnosis helps rule out serious conditions and determine if vision therapy or other treatments can restore comfortable, single vision.

 

Causes of Double Vision in Children

For children, double vision often stems from eye alignment or developmental issues rather than systemic disease. Common pediatric causes include:

•          Strabismus (eye misalignment): When the eyes don’t point in the same direction, the brain receives conflicting images.

•          Amblyopia (lazy eye): The brain may suppress input from one eye to avoid confusion, leading to reduced visual development.

•          Binocular vision dysfunction: Difficulties coordinating both eyes can cause intermittent double vision, especially during reading or close work.

At Holistic Vision, we provide adult and pediatric holistic vision care in Jenkintown that focuses on understanding the root cause of these visual issues, not just the symptoms.

 

Treatment Differences

The approach to managing double vision varies depending on age and visual development.

•          For Adults: Treatment focuses on restoring proper eye alignment and managing underlying health factors. Options may include prism lenses, specialized visual exercises, or vision therapy in Jenkintown to retrain the brain-eye connection.

•          For Children: Because children’s visual systems are still developing, vision therapy and visual training are especially effective. Early intervention can prevent long-term suppression or vision loss while strengthening binocular vision skills.

 

A Holistic Approach to Vision Care

Double vision can affect focus, balance, and overall quality of life. At Holistic Vision, we believe that double vision is more than just a visual problem - it’s a sign that your visual system is struggling to work in harmony. Our holistic care approach combines neurological and visual performance testing to create individualized therapy plans for each patient, whether adult or child.

If you or your child are experiencing double vision, schedule a consultation with Holistic Vision to learn more about personalized holistic vision care. Visit our office in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, or call (267) 500-9600 today.