Double Vision
Double vision is an eyesight problem that causes things to appear twice, either side by side or overlapping. Also called diplopia, double vision is a result of the eyes not being aligned properly. It can have many causes, some minor and some more serious. Vision depends on all parts of the eye functioning correctly. Double vision can occur when there is a problem with the cornea, or the clear window into the eye. The cornea can be infected, scarred or too dry, causing double vision. It also may be caused by problems with the eye's lens, muscles and nerves controlling the eyes. In some cases it occurs due to a problem with the brain, or can occur by itself with no symptoms or because of another medical condition.
If the double vision is new or unexplained, urgent medical attention may be required. Doctors can determine whether it is due to a problem in the eye or in the brain by seeing what happens when one eye is closed. If the double vision is present when looking with one eye alone, the cause is in the eye. If the double vision is present with both eyes open but goes away when looking through one eye, the cause may be in the brain.
Why UAB
Callahan is the only full-service facility in Alabama specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of the eye and one of only a few worldwide that is entirely devoted to advancements in ophthalmology. That reputation is supported by 16 operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery and a 24/7 eye emergency room that is the region’s only Level I Ocular Trauma Center. More than 11,000 surgeries are performed at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital each year, and we conduct more reconstructive eye procedures than any other facility in the world.
Our facility is home to more than two dozen ophthalmologists, many of whom are named among the top doctors in their fields nationally. Callahan is widely recognized for excellence in patient care, having consistently earned prestigious awards from health care consulting group Press Ganey, and in 2017 Callahan was named as one of the “100 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” by Becker’s Hospital Review.
Callahan also is known for pioneering developments in surgical instruments, devices, and procedures used by ophthalmologists across the globe. As part of the UAB Medicine academic medical center, Callahan is actively involved in ongoing research and clinical trials. Many of our ophthalmologists have received funding from prestigious research organizations and institutions and collaborate in clinical care to bring the latest in scientific discovery to our patients.
VIDEOS
The Red Eye: What Primary Care Physicians Need to Know
Improving the detection of glaucoma
Glaucoma is a silent disease. It does not hurt, symptoms are slow to develop, and most people do not notice any loss of vision until it is too late. A project by ophthalmologists at UAB are examining whether a partnership with community-based optometrists will improve detection and treatment of glaucoma, especially for high-risk populations.
UAB Callahan Eye Hospital helped save a young baseball player’s career and, most importantly, his sight.
Baseball Eye Injury
College baseball player Meade Kendrick was nearly blinded by a batted ball during a practice drill. The ball hit directly on Kendrick’s left eye resulting in a severe closed-globe injury to the eye. See how Meade's vision was restored by UAB Ophthalmologist Doug Witherspoon, M.D. at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital.


RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for double vision. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
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