What Causes Double Vision?

Severe Migraines

Migraine headaches affect more than thirty-eight million individuals in the United States. This throbbing, painful headache can last up seventy-two hours. The origins of migraines are not completely understood, but studies point to changes in brain chemistry as well as cranial nerve issues. Because the double vision associated with severe migraines involves nerves rather than the physical structure of the eye, double vision will be seen with both eyes. For some individuals with migraines, double vision may be part of the migraine aura, a series of symptoms that happen in the pre-migraine stage. For others, double vision is part of the migraine experience itself, and as the headache ends, the double vision clears.

Eye Trauma Or Injury

Double vision can be a medical issue stemming from the effects of eye trauma or injury. There are a few mechanisms of how an injury or trauma can result in double vision. When an injury and or trauma to the eye and its surrounding region occurs, the muscles and nerves in the eye can become damaged. The human eye forms its image from the brain's combination of the representations that come from both eyes. When there is damage to the nerves that manage eye movements or damage to the muscles responsible for moving the eyes, it can result in double vision.

Some injuries to an individual's eye can cause fluid and blood to accumulate in the areas surrounding the eye. When fluid abnormally builds up in areas around the eye where it does not belong, it places pressure on the nerves and muscles around the eye, as well as the eye itself. The increased pressure can cause the muscles and nerves to malfunction and result in double vision.