Hi there,

I have double vision in my right eye and was wondering if anyone might be able to share experiences/possible diagnoses/ideas.

I do have an appointment with an opthalmologist Monday morning but am fretting and using the web for self-diagnosis. I shouldn't. But please indulge me.

I'm a very fit, healthy 40 year old female. Non-smoker. Light drinker. Non-hypochondriac (not that there's anything wrong with that). 20/15 vision in my heydey.

About five years ago I started having slightly decreased vision at night. Shrugged it off as old age.

Two years ago I noticed, while looking at a digital clock, that the vision trouble is actually ONLY in my right eye. I saw ghosting of the numbers on the clock. It wasn't blurry - it was just very specifically double vision. I notice the ghosting the most when looking at the digital clocks and the moon at night. Only in the right eye.

It is worsening over time. It's worse now than it was two years ago and it seems to worsen in very specific moments. Like one day I just realize, oh wow, my vision got worse today. The ghosted image is getting further away from the original image.

It doesn't seem to get worse/better with tiredness. It just is what it is, worsens, plateaus, worsens, etc.

My left eye seems to be at least still 20/20. I cover my right and can see perfectly (albeit with compromised depth perception).

I have no eye pain or other neuro symptoms that I'm aware of. Migraines about once a month.

Worried about MS. Don't know anyone in my family with it or any other neuro disorders. And of course, brain tumor.

Any ideas? Things to make sure to ask/cover at doctor's appointment?

Thanks!
Christie

Hi Christie,

Monocular diplopia is commonly caused by physical defects such as astigmatisms. It is very rare that this sort of double vision is caused by a serious issue, as can be found with binocular diplopia.

I suffer from the latter (unstable) caused by a lesion in the Pons area of my brain. It is totally debilitating, has stopped me driving, enjoying tv, has made reading and typing here exceedingly hard work…

Your Opthalmologist should have no problem spotting any physical cause and I hope he can suggest a solution.

Dave.

How about seeing colors? Do you perceive colors the same in each eye? For instance, do you see the color blue brighter in one eye compared to the other?

Definitely good to have it checked. I've gone to the eye docs for years and I'm 77. And for the last 2 decades have taken grape seed extract and I KNOW it addresses all circulation including the eyes. I also take Bilberry and Lutein and BLINK often. I also use Similasan homeopathic drops for dry eyes. Extra dosing of Vit C complex daily too.

I have not seen an eye doctor for about 7 yrs now as my eyes are in good condition. I was told years ago there was some sign of cataract action but so far so good. My eyes are working good for my life now. I use reading glasses and distance glasses. Same script for years. I believe my eye supps are doing me good. Let us know what your doctor reports. C

Are you thinking Macular Degeneration?

Dave.

No, not with her young age and fit lifestyle. It can be an early sign of MS, but could be due to many other things as well.

That's why I discounted it. I think better to look for common causes, like astigmatism, first and have them ruled out than worry unnecessarily about big, life-changing conditions from one small symptom - no matter how debilitating it is.

Dave.

Hello Christieland and welcome to NeuroTalk

How did your appointment go? Did the Ophthalmologist have any answers for you?

Thank you Dave and all for your thoughtful replies and assistance.

Just astigmatism. Right eye going bad and it's just age related, according to my doctor.

She did ask if I was a surfer or had experienced excessive amounts of sunlight and glare throughout my life. Lots of sports but all non-water based.

I wish you all the best of luck with your conditions. I hope you have a great day!

That is a relief, Christie. I am relatively pleased for you - it is still a pain having to manage the double vision.

If it gets too much to cope with at times, rather than wearing a patch, cut a piece of fogged plastic film to cover your spectacle lens. It still lets light in, is unnoticable from a distance and is less disorientating.

Dave.