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Diplopia and Prism Correction

Diplopia and Prism Correction

You may need a special prescription depending on your eye alignment.

Our eyes need to work together to produce the images that comprise our vision. Specifically, they must be able to coordinate to look in the same direction, focus on the same object, and move at the same time. When our eyes are unable to stay aligned, our vision can suffer from this in multiple ways, such as seeing two images instead of one. This disorder is called diplopia.

What Causes Double Vision?
Diplopia, or double vision, as it’s commonly known, has three main origins.

  1. Muscular dysfunction
    1. Strabismus
    2. Thyroid eye disease (TED)
    3. Myasthenia gravis
  2. Brain-related disorders
    1. Stroke
    2. Aneurysm
    3. Tumor
    4. Migraine
  3. Nerve-related issues
    1. Diabetes
    2. Multiple sclerosis
    3. Guillain-Barre syndrome

Fortunately, a non-invasive solution exists that involves making a special type of lens from shapes called prisms.

What Are Prisms?
Prisms are geometric figures that, when created from transparent material like glass or plastic, can manipulate the direction of light. When built into a pair of eyeglass lenses, prisms force the eye to see objects in another location. This may sound unpleasant, but for someone who experiences diplopia, prisms can help unify their double vision into a single image.

How Does Prism Correction Work?
If an ophthalmologist determines your need for prism glasses, they will measure the necessary amount of prism correction and write a prescription. This prescription will be used to manufacture a prism lens that has a prominent base – the thickest section that bends light in the desired direction. When worn, these glasses compensate for the misaligned eye(s) by shifting images back to their normal positions.

Is Prism Correction the Only Solution?
Although prism glasses are one of the most common ways to correct double vision, they are not the only treatment option available. For milder cases of diplopia, eye exercises, vision therapy, and eye patches can help train the eyes to produce a single image by working together. In other situations where the underlying cause is more complex, surgery may be the only way to correct the condition.

If you suddenly begin to experience double vision, you should visit an eye doctor immediately. Sterling Vision consists of experienced optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists capable of delivering effective treatments for diplopia, including prism correction. To schedule an appointment with us, call 541-262-0597 or schedule online.