Double vision in each eye

Hello,

In the past few months, I have developed an odd condition where I see double vision in each eye individually. Of course, the second image is in a different direction in each eye causing three images to appear sometimes. I have visited a local ophthalmologist, and after several tests, they attributed it to a bad head on collision I had back in December. I don't remember the actual name they gave my condition, but they said something about damage to the optical nerves due to head trauma. The doctor has me coming back to visit in two months to see if anything has changed, but wasn't able to do anything for me in the meantime. Since this condition impacts my job, I was wondering if there might be anything I can do about this, or ask my doctor about. As an aside, I have felt a little bit of pressure on the eyes, so I tried a little bit of ibuprofen to see if that helped. The pressure was relieved a bit, but the double images definitely got worse. Anyways, any insights would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I doubt damage to the optic nerve will give you double vision.  It is more like a damage to the nerve or nerves that control eye movement.  

You should see an pediatric/adult strabismus specialist.

Dr. O.

[moverton]

Hmmm, perhaps I am a bit confused, but everything I've seen concerning strabismus involves improper eye alignment. Then double vision would only occur with both eyes open. However, if I close one eye I still see a second (transparent) image slightly to the side. Since both eyes produce this second image (with the other one closed), I often see three images when I have both eyes open. I don't mean to second guess, just wanting to clarify.

Thanks!

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Monocular diplopia is usually a problem in the cornea or the lens.  This ghost image is mostly like due to a refractive error.  See if it disappears by looking through a pinhole.
Make one with a 3 x 5 card and put in a small about 2 to 3 mm hole.  

Dr. O.

[moverton]

Looks like there is a region in the center of the pinhole where the ghost image disappears. This is true for both eyes.