Double vision, medically known as diplopia, is the perception of seeing two images of a single object. This visual disturbance can manifest with the images appearing side-by-side, stacked vertically, or diagonally offset. While temporary diplopia can be caused by fatigue, persistent double vision often signals a serious underlying health problem. Conditions affecting the eye muscles, nerves, or brain—such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or thyroid disease—can all lead to diplopia. Anyone experiencing new or persistent double vision must seek an immediate professional medical diagnosis from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The “natural” approaches discussed here are intended only as supportive measures and should never replace prescribed medical treatment.
Immediate Non-Medical Symptom Management
The sudden onset of double vision can be disorienting, affecting balance and making everyday tasks like reading or driving unsafe. Monocular occlusion, or covering one eye, is the most direct temporary method for managing binocular diplopia, which occurs when both eyes are open. By blocking the visual input from one eye, the brain is forced to rely on the single, clear image from the other, immediately eliminating the double image.
A common method is the use of a simple eye patch to achieve full occlusion, although this significantly affects depth perception. For those who need to maintain some peripheral vision or who find a full patch distracting, partial occlusion techniques are available. This involves applying translucent tape or a specialized occluder to the back surface of one lens of a pair of glasses. This partial block allows light and motion to be perceived in the periphery while disrupting the central overlap that causes the double image.
Another less intrusive option is to use Bangerter foils, which are thin, adhesive plastic sheets that blur or degrade the image seen by the affected eye. These foils are applied directly to the spectacle lens and can be adjusted in density to find the minimum level of blur required to fuse the two images into one. The goal of any occlusion method is to provide immediate, functional relief without interfering with the underlying medical treatment plan.
Managing the visual environment also plays a significant role in reducing the severity of diplopia symptoms. Minimizing glare is particularly helpful, as excessive light scatter can intensify the ghosting effect. Wearing anti-glare glasses, even those without a prescription, or using a wide-brimmed hat outdoors can help control ambient light. Adjusting the contrast and brightness settings on digital devices can also make screen use more tolerable by reducing the visual fatigue that often exacerbates double vision.
Targeted Vision Training Techniques
For many cases of diplopia caused by issues like convergence insufficiency, where the eyes struggle to turn inward together, active vision training can be highly beneficial. This specialized form of physical therapy for the eyes, known as orthoptics, involves repetitive exercises designed to strengthen the extraocular muscles and improve binocular fusion. Consistency and adherence to a prescribed training schedule are paramount for these techniques to be effective.
One widely used exercise is the “pencil push-up,” a simple method to train the eyes to converge. The patient holds a pencil or small object at arm’s length and slowly moves it toward the nose, focusing intently to keep the object as a single image. The exercise is halted and repeated when the single image splits into two, training the eyes’ ability to maintain convergence at closer distances. This action helps retrain the neuromuscular pathways responsible for coordinating eye movement.
The Brock String is a more advanced tool that provides immediate visual feedback on the eyes’ convergence and alignment. It consists of a long string with colored beads spaced at intervals. The user holds one end of the string to the nose and focuses on a bead, perceiving two strings that appear to meet at the bead. If the eyes are not converging properly, the viewer sees a pattern other than the desired “V” or “X” shape, allowing them to adjust their focus and alignment.
Another technique is the near-far exercise, which improves the eyes’ ability to rapidly change focus and accommodation. This involves alternating the gaze between a near target, such as text held close, and a distant target across the room. This back-and-forth movement helps the lens and eye muscles practice quick, coordinated adjustments, improving overall visual flexibility and reducing strain. These exercises work on the principle of neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to adapt and better coordinate the movements of the two eyes to achieve a single, clear image.
Systemic Nutritional and Lifestyle Support
Supporting overall physiological health through nutrition and lifestyle choices can create an optimal internal environment for neurological and muscular recovery. The nerves and muscles that control eye movement rely on specific micronutrients for proper function and repair. For instance, certain B vitamins, particularly Thiamine (B1) and Cobalamin (B12), are directly linked to nerve health, and deficiencies in these vitamins have been associated with double vision.
To ensure adequate intake, individuals should focus on B-vitamin-rich sources such as whole grains, legumes, eggs, and lean meats. Omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, are known to support neurological function and reduce systemic inflammation. A healthy intake of Omega-3s promotes the health of the cell membranes in the nervous system, potentially aiding in the recovery of damaged cranial nerves.
Vitamin A is recognized for its role in maintaining the light-sensing cells of the retina and the overall health of the eye’s surface. Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens are excellent sources of this nutrient. Maintaining proper hydration is also important, as dehydration can lead to eye fatigue and dryness, which may worsen visual discomfort and the perceived severity of diplopia.
Adequate sleep is a foundational pillar of recovery, as it is the time when the body and brain perform significant repair and consolidation functions. Consistent, high-quality sleep allows eye muscles to recover from the strain of misalignment and supports neurological processes. Managing screen time by implementing the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can significantly reduce eye strain and fatigue, making vision training and daily life more sustainable.