Double Vision Eye Test
Eye test for Double Vision (Diplopia)
Having double vision is dangerous especially if you are at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Do you sometimes see two overlapping images of the same object, whether it is close up or far away? This is known as double vision, or diplopia, and it happens when your eyes are not working together the way they should. A double vision eye test measures exactly what is causing this, so your optometrist can find the right correction for you. At Clear Vision Optical, our diplopia eye test is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients and included in every comprehensive eye exam.
What Causes Double Vision?
Double vision, or diplopia, happens when your eyes send two separate images to your brain instead of merging them into one clear picture.
It can affect a single eye, known as monocular diplopia, or both eyes together, known as binocular diplopia, and the underlying cause is usually very different between the two.
Monocular diplopia is often linked to the eye itself, such as astigmatism, cataracts, or dry eye.
Binocular diplopia usually points to how your eyes are aligned or how they communicate with your brain.
A diplopia eye test helps determine which type you have, which shapes every step that follows.
Signs You May Need a Double Vision Eye Test
Diplopia symptoms can be constant or it can come and go. Here are to watch out for:
- Sudden double vision that does not clear when you blink.
- Double vision that disappears when you close one eye.
- Eye strain or headaches, especially after reading or screen use.
- Nausea or dizziness linked to your vision.
- Difficulty judging distances or depth.
- A drooping eyelid or eyes that no longer move together.
If any of these sound familiar, an eye test for double vision is the quickest way to find out what is behind it.
How We Test for Double Vision
A diplopia test at Clear Vision Optical uses a combination of these techniques to find out exactly what is causing your symptoms.
Visual Acuity Test
Reading letters on a distance chart shows how clearly you see with each eye, and helps identify any underlying refractive error contributing to your symptoms.
Cover Test
Covering one eye at a time reveals whether your eyes are properly aligned, and highlights any tendency for one eye to drift.
Eye Movement Assessment
Following a target in different directions shows how smoothly your eyes move together, and can reveal muscle weakness or nerve involvement.
Prism Testing
A prism lens measures the exact degree of misalignment between your eyes, helping your optometrist recommend the most effective correction.
All testing is non-invasive, straightforward, and bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients.
Looking to book an eye examination?
We recommend that everyone should have an eye test with an optometrist at least once every 2 years.
Treatment Options for Double Vision
Most cases of double vision are manageable once a double vision eye test has identified the underlying cause. Depending on your results, your optometrist may recommend:
- Updated glasses or contact lenses to correct an underlying refractive error.
- Prism lenses to help align the two images your eyes are sending to your brain.
- An eye patch to temporarily block vision in one eye while the underlying cause is treated.
- Referral to a specialist if the diplopia is linked to a nerve, muscle, or neurological condition.
If left unchecked, double vision can affect your balance, coordination, and confidence behind the wheel, so it is worth acting on the results of your diplopia test.
Double Vision Eye Test FAQs
What if my double vision will not go away?
If your eye test for double vision shows a significant or unusual result, we refer you promptly to a specialist for further assessment.
Can children have double vision?
Yes. Double vision in children should always be checked promptly, since it can sometimes affect visual development.
Is a double vision eye test bulk billed?
Yes. All appointments, including your double vision eye test, are bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients at Clear Vision Optical.
Book Your Double Vision Eye Test Today
Clear Vision Optical offers a comprehensive double vision eye test at our Melbourne clinic, bulk billed for all eligible Medicare patients. Don’t let double vision hold you back any longer.
Book your appointment today and see the difference clearer vision makes.