Eye movement disorders, including double vision, can be caused by a range of conditions, including problems in the eye, muscles, nerves, or brain. The source of these issue can range from minor to life-threatening so it’s important to see a qualified ophthalmologist as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis. Common eye movement abnormalities include diplopia or double vision; strabismus or crossed eyes; nystagmus or involuntary eye movement; and amblyopia or so-called lazy eye.
Your doctor’s first mission will be to uncover the underlying source of your vision difficulties. Double vision can be caused by a cornea problem, such as astigmatism, keratoconus, dryness, scaring, or an infection. Cataracts on the lens, a cloudiness that commonly occurs with aging, can also cause vision difficulty. Muscles issues, including strabismus or thyroid-related eye disease, can cause double vision and other symptoms. Diabetes, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis can damage the nerves that control vision. Brain issues, including aneurysms, tumors, migraines, strokes, and pressure from bleeding or infection, can cause serious vision problems as well.
Most babies are born with misaligned eyes that gradually straighten in the first few months of life. In instances when poor eye coordination continues, parents will want to seek treatment. Some genetic disorders, pediatric cataracts or glaucoma can cause childhood eye movement abnormalities. Often, there is no known cause.
Double vision can occur in one or both eyes. If it occurs only when one eye is open, it is typically an ophthalmological condition. If it occurs only when both eyes are open, it might be a neurological issue. Patients experiencing double vision might see two separate images or overlapping images. Patients may notice that their eyes seem misaligned or that they are experiencing pain, headaches, nausea, and weakness. Eye movement disorders can also cause decreased vision, poor depth perception, and crossing of the eyes. Eyes may also move rapidly or involuntarily.
Your ophthalmologist will discuss your symptoms, conduct a full eye exam, and determine the appropriate diagnostic tests. A blood test might be ordered, and imaging tests, such as a CT or MRI scan might be performed. Prior to your visit, try to pinpoint the circumstances under which you most commonly experience symptoms to help inform your ophthalmologist’s diagnosis.
Eye movement tests provide significant information about vision. They can be conducted with a variety of computer technology and other devices, depending on a patient’s age and condition.
After the evaluation, your doctors will develop a targeted medical or surgical plan to address your vision abnormalities. That may include surgery, eyewear, vision therapy, or injections, such as Botox. Eye patches or eyeglasses might be used with some eye movement abnormalities. In some cases, special lenses called prisms may be used to help straighten eyes. Eye drops or ointments may also be prescribed.
Your doctor will give you specific information related to your particular condition, as well as a detailed description of treatment and instructions on how to make the best recovery.
The Cizik Eye Clinic opened in 2007 and is housed in Memorial Hermann Plaza at 6400 Fannin Street. It includes dozens of exam areas, multiple operating rooms, and laser suites equipped with the most sophisticated equipment available for patient care.
People travel from across the country and the world for treatment at the Cizik Eye Clinic, in part because our affiliation with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth provides unmatched resources and expertise. Our friendly staff works diligently to make your visit pleasant and efficient, as we maximize patient flow through everything from routine eye exams to the most advanced eye surgeries.
Our physicians are faculty members at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or are board eligible. At the Cizik Eye Clinic, we understand that the eye is a small part of a whole patient who deserves top-notch, comprehensive care in a cutting-edge facility.
At Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, we offer patients access to highly specialized eye and vision care. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-9400, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.