Double vision, also known as diplopia, can be disorienting. This is especially true if you wear contact lenses and are used to seeing clearly. When your vision suddenly doubles, even briefly, everyday tasks like reading or walking through a room can become more difficult. You might also, understandably, be worried about your eyes.
If you wear contact lenses and have noticed that you have double vision, you’ll want to understand what might be causing the issue. Double vision may stem from temporary eye strain, dryness, or an underlying medical issue. Checking in with your optometrist can help clarify what’s going on and guide your next steps.
Why You Might Be Seeing Double
Double vision can have several underlying causes. Contact lenses aren’t always the reason, but they can sometimes contribute. Here are some possible explanations:
1. Dry Eye
Dry eyes can disrupt the tear film that helps keep your vision sharp. Without enough moisture on the surface of the eye, your vision may blur or double. Contact lenses can contribute to dryness by limiting oxygen flow to the cornea.
What to watch for: If your symptoms worsen at the end of the day or in dry environments, dry eye might be the cause. You may also notice burning, redness, or a gritty sensation.
2. Convergence Insufficiency
This condition affects how well your eyes work together when focusing on near objects. It’s more common than you might think, and it often goes undiagnosed. Contact lenses don’t cause convergence insufficiency, but they also don’t correct it.
What to watch for: If you notice double vision mostly while reading or working on a screen, this may be the reason. You may also experience eye strain or headaches during near tasks.
3. Eye Misalignment and Eye Strain
Prolonged focus on digital screens or reading tasks can sometimes trigger symptoms of misalignment between your eyes, especially if you’re prone to eye strain. If your eyes aren’t properly aligned, your brain struggles to merge their two separate images into one clear picture, which can lead to double vision.
What to watch for: If your double vision worsens during extended screen time or while reading, digital eye strain may be the cause.
4. Refractive Errors
Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia affect how light enters your eye and focuses on the retina. These common conditions can make vision appear blurry or distorted. In some cases, especially when switching between contact lenses, refractive errors may contribute to double vision.
What to watch for: If your double vision happens mostly when switching focus between distances or when using a new contact lens prescription, a refractive error might be playing a role.
5. Underlying Medical Conditions
In some cases, double vision may be related to nerve issues or muscle dysfunction. Certain conditions can affect the nerves responsible for eye movement, leading to misalignment between the eyes. This can result in double vision that persists until the underlying condition is diagnosed and managed.
What to watch for: Sudden double vision, especially when paired with symptoms like drooping eyelids or difficulty moving the eyes, should be evaluated promptly. This could indicate an issue with the cranial nerves or muscles around the eyes.
3 Steps to Manage Double Vision with Contacts
If your vision seems off, there are a few practical steps you can take to better understand the cause and get support:
Step 1: Try This Simple Test
Start by covering one eye at a time. If your double vision goes away when one eye is covered, you may have binocular double vision. If double vision remains in just one eye, it may be monocular and caused by issues like dry eye, corneal irregularities, or lens problems.
Step 2: Keep Track of Your Symptoms
Track when and how often you experience double vision. Note any activities, times of day, or additional symptoms such as eye strain or dryness. This information can help us assess what’s going on.
You may want to include:
- When the symptom started
- Whether it affects one eye or both
- Any additional signs like headaches or fatigue
- If it worsens in low light or after long periods of focus
Step 3: Schedule an Eye Exam
If your double vision continues or worsens, book an eye exam. We can evaluate your eye health, review your current prescription, and assess how your lenses are fitting. We may also recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision
Contact lenses are meant to improve how you see, not make things harder. If you’ve started noticing double vision, don’t ignore it. While it could be something like dry eye or digital eye strain, there may be underlying issues that can be assessed and managed..
Removing your lenses, logging your symptoms, and scheduling an exam are important first steps. If a medical condition is contributing to your symptoms, early diagnosis can make a real difference.
Total Vision Long Beach is here to help. Book an appointment and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
