monocular diplopia
Last reviewed 01/2018
Monocular diplopia is double vision in one eye which persists after the other eye is covered. Image separation is slight, often described as 'ghosting.'
Common causes are:
- usually caused by abnormalities of the cornea, iris, lens, or vitreous or aqueous humour
- for example:
- refractive error - the commonest problem (1) - if looking through a pinhole abolishes the diplopia then spectacles should be worn
- developing cataract - areas of differing refractive index cause splitting of the light beam and diplopia. Usually abates as the opacification increases
- corneal scarring
Reference:
- (1) GP magazine (28/9/2001), 47.