Diplopia (Double Vision) in Children
Disease
Misaligned eyes tend to aim at two different targets, causing two different
images to be sent to the brain. When the brain accepts two different images at
the same time, it leads to Diplopia or Double Vision.
This eye condition isn't normal and is often a sign of a more serious eye
condition or neurological disorder.
In the case of children, their brains shut down or suppress the information
received from one of the misaligned eyes to prevent seeing double images. Unlike
children, adults do not have a protective mechanism to suppress double images.
There are two types of double vision - Monocular Double Vision (affecting one
eye) and Binocular Double Vision (affecting both eyes).
Causes
When the eyes become misaligned for the first time in childhood, double vision
appears in the form of a symptom. It may be caused due to an injury, accident or
infection among younger children. And the double vision may disappear even
before the underlying problem is cured.
The reason behind the rise of double vision depends on whether one or both eyes
are affected. Following are the causes of monocular and binocular double vision
-
Monocular Double Vision
Monocular double vision is not as common as binocular double vision and comes
into being due to the following eye problems -
1. Dry Eye Syndrome
2. Astigmatism
3. Keratoconus
4. Cataracts
Binocular Double Vision
Cranial nerve palsy resulting from trauma, infection and ischemia is an
important cause of binocular diplopia.
Also, normally binocular double vision is a symptom of squint. The nerves or
muscles of the eyes force them to look in different directions in squint.
Children are more prone to having squints.
Children with squints don't always experience double vision. Also, if the squint
is not treated by the age of 7, it could further lead to lazy eyes.
Diagnosis
While getting diagnosed, your doctor will make a note of all the symptoms your
child may be experiencing. Additionally, a few tests will be conducted to
further examine the problem.
Diagnosing double vision is itself quite challenging as there may be multiple
reasons causing it. But when it comes to diagnosing it in children it becomes
even more challenging.
During diagnosis, the doctor will look out for the following signs -
1. Eyes Flicking Side-by-Side
2. Squinting Eyes to See
3. Turning the Head in an Unusual Way
4. Covering One Eye with the Hand
5. Looking at Objects from the Side
Treatment
Double vision will disappear once its underlying cause is determined and
treated.
The doctor will prescribe the best suited treatment depending on what is causing
your child's double vision. The doctor may prescribe any of the following
treatment options for your child -
1. Eye Exercises
2. Eye Patch
3. Glasses or Contact Lenses
Surgery
Surgery is the best option if your child's double vision has resulted from an
injury and does not go away even after treatment. In some severe cases your
child may be required to undergo a surgery to treat the underlying cause of the
double vision. What a surgery does is, it adjusts the muscles of the eyes to
straighten them and in turn, cures the diplopia.
Takeaway
Double vision could be a sign of a more serious eye problem. Hence, you must
immediately consult your ophthalmologist when your child experiences double
vision.