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Double vision in one eye which persists after the other eye is covered

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Monocular diplopia is double vision in one eye which persists after the other eye is covered. Image separation is slight, often described as 'ghosting.'

Common causes are:

  • usually caused by abnormalities of the cornea, iris, lens, or vitreous or aqueous humour
    • for example:
      • refractive error - the commonest problem (1) - if looking through a pinhole abolishes the diplopia then spectacles should be worn
      • developing cataract - areas of differing refractive index cause splitting of the light beam and diplopia. Usually abates as the opacification increases
      • corneal scarring

Reference:

  • (1) GP magazine (28/9/2001), 47.

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