Double Vision Issue

For an unknown reason I had started having slight double vision a few weeks ago. Recently it has worsen and I have also become a bit lightheaded. I do wish to know what is going on before I go to see a doctor about it.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Double vision of sudden onset is a very serious and worrisome symptom. You should see a Eye MD ophthalmologist-physician as soon as possible and also make an appointment with your personal physician to evaluate the lightheadedness and assist with the double vision work up.

JCH III MD

[CalebJohnson]

RedObsidian, I was wondering if your double vision is with like full objects, example a can of coke ect. I think I'm experiencing double vision but it's only on bright surfaces with a black background, such as white text on black background. Also when looking at the moon I see like half of the moon underneath it.

With the text if i sit right up close to my monitor, say 1-2inches from it the double vision of the text disappears, i have a history of short sightedness in my family so I think it might be that, though it only happens on bright objects illuminating off dark surfaces. Could you please explain what you are seeing?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Seeing two distinct objects is true double vision. Seeing what you describe is called a ghost image and is not true double vision. Ghosting can come from a need for glasses, cataracts and problems with the cornea.

JCH III MD

[CalebJohnson]

I guess considering my double vision goes away when I get CLOSE to the text, and having a family history of this I'll need glasses? I think i'll book an appointment in for this week.

[CalebJohnson]

I'm guessing cataracts are usually due to older age correct? Hopefully it's just glasses >.> :P

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Most cataracts are due to age but some are due to steroid use, diabetes, trauma or family inheritance.

JCH IIIMMD