Sudden double vision, known as diplopia, makes one see two images of a single object. This can be brought on by an injury, trauma, or dysfunction. Diplopia can make routine tasks, like driving, seem extremely difficult. Double vision can be a temporary issue or a sign of a health condition. Understanding the underlying factors that cause this condition and seeking appropriate medical attention is crucial for effectively managing and treating the issue.

Causes
Some of the common causes of double vision include:

Eye muscle dysfunction: Weakness or dysfunction in the muscles responsible for controlling eye movements can result in a misalignment of the eyes, triggering sudden double vision. Conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes), cranial nerve palsy, or muscle nerve damage can contribute to this impairment.

Refractive error: Uncorrected refractive errors, such as astigmatism or uncorrected glasses prescription, can cause sudden double vision. Such errors develop when the shape of the eye keeps light rays from focusing correctly on the retina, resulting in overlapping images.

Eye conditions: Certain eye conditions, like cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eyes, or glaucoma, can affect visual perception and trigger sudden double vision.

Neurological issues: Diplopia can also be a symptom of neurological conditions such as strokes, head injuries, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors. These conditions can affect the nerves and muscles responsible for eye movement and lead to double vision.

Symptoms
Overlapping images: The primary symptom of sudden double vision is the perception of overlapping or duplicate images of a single object or person. Objects or people may appear in two different positions or seem blurry and indistinct.

Eye strain and fatigue: Diplopia can cause eye strain, discomfort, and headache. One may find it challenging to focus on objects, leading to visual fatigue.

Loss of depth perception: Sudden double vision can affect depth perception, making it difficult to judge distances accurately. Such predicaments can pose challenges in daily activities such as driving or climbing stairs.

Diagnosis
If one experiences sudden double vision, they should seek medical evaluation promptly. An eye care professional or a neurologist can perform the primary diagnosis in the form of a medical examination to identify the underlying cause. Additional tests may be conducted depending on the suspected cause. The examinations include imaging scans (MRI and CT), blood tests, or visual field tests. Such tests help doctors determine the underlying condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment options
Treatment for diplopia depends on the underlying cause. A few common options are corrective lenses, eye exercises, and surgery. When diplopia is a symptom of an underlying condition, treating the primary disease becomes essential for effectively managing sudden double vision. Doctors may also recommend vision therapy, which is administered by trained professionals. This option can, at times, help treat diplopia caused by eye muscle dysfunction. It involves exercises and techniques to improve eye coordination and strengthen the affected muscles.

Diplopia or double vision requires medical attention and appropriate care. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking early diagnosis and treatment, one can manage the condition and improve eye health. Early intervention and appropriate medical care can relieve double vision and help restore regular vision.