How Can Specialty Contact Lenses Treat Double Vision?

Specialty contact lenses can treat both monocular and binocular double vision. For monocular double vision (caused by corneal irregularity, keratoconus, or higher-order aberrations), a custom scleral lens vaults the cornea and creates a regular tear-filled optical surface that completely eliminates ghosting and multiple images. For binocular double vision (caused by eye muscle misalignment or nerve palsy), optical prism can be incorporated directly into the scleral lens to realign the dual images into a single clear focus.

What Is the Difference Between Monocular and Binocular Double Vision?

A simple self-test is to close one eye. If you still see double vision with only one eye open, you have monocular diplopia, which is almost always caused by an irregularity in the cornea (such as astigmatism, keratoconus, or post-surgical ectasia). If the double vision immediately disappears when you close either eye and only occurs when both eyes are open together, you have binocular diplopia, which stems from extraocular muscle misalignment or cranial nerve dysfunction.

Can Prism Be Added Directly to a Scleral Contact Lens?

Yes. Using advanced rotational stabilization and high-precision diagnostic measurements from instruments like the Pentacam AXL Wave, our doctors can incorporate vertical or horizontal prism directly into a scleral contact lens. This provides superior comfort, sharper optics, and a wider field of view compared to heavy, thick prismatic spectacle glasses.

Double Vision

Optimizing Vision in Cases of Double Vision

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Treating Double Vision with Specialty Contact Lenses

Where Advanced Technology Meets Compassionate Care

Double vision, or diplopia, occurs when a person sees two images of a single object. This condition can be constant or occasional, and the causes can range from mild to severe.

There are two main types of double vision which may occur. An easy way to tell the cause of the double vision is to close one eye. If you still see double vision, it’s likely that this is caused by a corneal abnormality. If you only see double vision with both eyes open, then the likely cause is an issue with your eye muscles.

We have experience successfully treating double vision with scleral contact lenses. We utilize advanced and specialized technology which collects up to 240,000 unique data points in order to design a fully customized specialty contact lens. This technology combined with longer than normal exam slots, and one-on-one interaction from an experienced and caring doctor allow for the best possible outcome for patients with double vision.

Doctor examining corneal structure and eye alignment for double vision

Consultation for prismatic and scleral contact lenses for double vision

Optimizing Vision for Individuals With Double Vision

Different Solutions for Different Causes of Double Vision

As a quick (and overly simplistic) rule of thumb, if a patient has double vision with both eyes open, a likely treatment option will be to add some prism to a scleral contact lens, which adjusts for any issues with the patient’s eye muscles.

Alternatively, if a patient has double vision with one eye open, prism may not be needed, and a scleral lens will help the cornea by providing a perfectly regular surface for light to pass through.

Causes of Double Vision

Eye Misalignment — Conditions such as strabismus, where the eyes are not properly aligned, can result in double vision.
Refractive Errors — Uncorrected or incorrectly corrected refractive errors, such as astigmatism or anisometropia, can contribute to double vision.
Neurological Issues — Conditions affecting the nerves or muscles controlling eye movement, such as cranial nerve palsies or myasthenia gravis, may lead to double vision.
Corneal Irregularities — Distortions in the cornea’s shape, often due to conditions like keratoconus, can cause double vision.

Treatment Options for Double Vision

Corrective Lenses
Prescription glasses can address refractive errors which may be contributing to double vision.
Vision Therapy
Exercises and therapies aimed at improving eye coordination and muscle alignment.
Prism Lenses
Prismatic glasses or lenses can manipulate light entering the eyes, aligning the images and reducing double vision.
Surgery
In some cases, surgical interventions may be recommended to correct misalignments or address underlying issues.
Specialty Contact Lenses
Scleral lenses are becoming more popular ways in managing double vision, and prism can be added as part of the scleral lens.

If you have any questions about scleral lenses for the treatment of double vision, we are available for a free phone consultation and can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.

Why Choose the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute for
Optimizing Vision with Double Vision?

Specialized Optical Solutions for Diplopia & Visual Alignment

The Team

The team at the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute are experts in correcting vision for patients where crisp vision has proven elusive. What some may call “difficult to fit” is our typical patient.

Advanced Technology

Our office is one of a few practices in the country that is equipped with the Pentacam AXL Wave and Optovue Solix OCT, which greatly aid in the design of complex custom specialty contacts.

Unlimited Answers

We allow for enough time for thorough comprehensive exams, and plenty of time for answering questions. No rushing in and out here.

We Focus on Unique Eyes

Our office is equipped to offer advanced specialty contact lenses to individuals who require tailored and custom-designed solutions.

Access to the Doctor

Our doctors are available to answer questions you have after your exam, and will make sure you have the information needed in order to ensure the best possible outcome.

Affordability

We keep our overhead costs low and offer very competitive prices as a result. We have monthly payment options available and also accept Cherry™, HSA, & FSA.

Doctor examining patient with double vision at slit lamp biomicroscope

Summary

Our doctors are nationally recognized for their expertise in utilizing specialty contact lenses, and one use of specialty contact lenses is to treat double vision. Our doctors have focused their career on the latest applications and options for fitting specialty contact lenses and they regularly present to other doctors at both local and national meetings.

There are options for managing vision in cases of double vision, including adding prism to glasses or lenses, specialty contact lenses, and the use of vision therapy. During an initial comprehensive exam, the doctor will discuss all available options. One of the benefits of visiting the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute is the amount of one-on-one time with the doctor, which allows for plenty of time to ask questions and evaluate all options.

If you have questions on treatment options for double vision, we can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.

Make an Appointment Call (704) 800-5230