Patients should also consult a physician to investigate any changes in vision. Blurred vision, double vision and other complications can indicate an underlying disease. Changes to vision can impact the quality of life and in seniors it can result in a bad fall. Double vision occurs when people see two clear images of the same object. This differs from blurred vision in which only one distorted image is seen. There are many causes of blurred and double vision, some of which can be corrected.
Cataracts
If the lens portion of the eye becomes clouded, over it is called a cataract and double or blurred vision may occur, states the National Eye Institute. In most cases, cataracts result due to natural changes to the lens that occurs with age. As cataracts form the lens cannot process light correctly and the retina does not receive a clear image. Cataracts can also occur at birth, after trauma to the eye or from another disease such as glaucoma or diabetes. Smoking and too much exposure to sunlight can also contribute to cataracts. Conservative treatment such as wearing glasses may be tried first. In some cases, surgery becomes necessary to replace the damaged lens.
Macular Degeneration
According to the Mayo Clinic, macular degeneration can occur slowly over time and it may affect just one eye. Along with blurred vision, patients have may also have blind spots, an inability to clearly see colors and the need for more light than usual to read. The exact cause of this condition remains unknown, but the risk increases with age. As the eyes age, cells that help to keep vision clear deteriorate. There is currently no cure for this condition however blindness is rare. While age, family history remain risk factors that cannot be controlled, not smoking, avoiding too much sun exposure, and preventing and managing diabetes and heart disease can all help to lessen the severity. This is because diabetes and heart disease can both cause damage to the blood vessels that supply the eyes.
Damage to Muscles and Nerves in the Eye
Double vision can be binocular (in both eyes) or monocular (in just in one eye). The John's Hopkins website states that binocular double vision occurs when the muscles and nerves that control eye movement do not function correctly. This means that the eyeballs of each eye do not move together resulting in separate images. Each eye focuses on a different point making two images appear. Thyroid problems, Multiple Sclerosis, brain tumors, strokes, high blood pressure and diabetes can all cause this damage. Monocular double vision occurs when there is damage to the actual eyeball. This includes having Astigmatism, dry eye or damage to the retina portion of the eye. Corrective glasses and treating any underlying diseases remain the usual course of treatment.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes that is not well controlled can lead to high levels of blood sugar, which over time can damage nerves in the body, including those that supply the eyes. The American Optometric Association states that diabetic retinopathy damages the nerves that lead to the retina. This leads to swelling in both eyes and results in blurred vision. Difficulty with night vision, blind spots and seeing spots or floaters are other common symptoms. High levels of blood sugar can eventually also damage the lens of the eye. Keeping blood sugar levels in check remains the best defense. In serious cases, blindness can result.
