Double vision (diplopia)
and vergence insufficiency
Double vision, also known as diplopia, is a condition in which a person experiences the sensation of seeing two images instead of one. A situation that can both feel confusing and affect quality of life. Vision problems and double vision are two vision-related issues that are often linked to each other. Imvi Labs, in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, has developed a method to train eye coordination.
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Teresa's road back after her stroke
3 years ago Teresa suffered a stroke. After rehab she still struggled with double vision. Teresa didn't give up. Watch the video and see how Imvi helped Teresa back.
Vergence problems occur when the eyes do not work together effectively. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as eye muscle imbalances, differences in the refractive errors of the eyes, or neurological problems. When the eyes do not work together properly, it can lead to binocular double vision, also known as diplopia.
Binocular double vision occurs when both eyes are open and can be caused by conditions such as strabismus or eye muscle paralysis.
Strabismus is a common cause of double vision. Covering one eye can help determine whether the double vision is monocular or binocular. If the double vision disappears when one eye is covered, it is likely binocular.
Causes of double vision
Double vision can have several causes, including abducens palsy, which is an eye muscle paralysis that results in the inability to abduct the affected eye. This can lead to symptoms such as double vision when looking towards the affected side.
Strabismus and double vision are two related conditions that can affect your vision in different ways. Strabismus means that your eyes are not pointing in the same direction, which can cause you to see double. When your eyes are not aligned properly, your brain can receive two different images, resulting in double vision, also known as diplopia. This can be very disruptive and affect your ability to perform daily activities.
Improved vergence helps with double vision
Imvi Labs, in collaboration with researchers from Karolinska Institutet, has developed a method where you train your vergence (eye coordination) by watching movies in VR. The eye coordination training relieves the brain and improves the brain's coordination of eye movements. For those of you who suffer from double vision (diplopia), this can mean that the double image disappears completely.
Entertaining & effective training for you with double vision
Stream your favorite series in VR
You can easily train by watching streamed content via the Imvi app on your mobile phone that sits in our VR glasses.
Train while streaming your favorite shows
Through the app you choose what type of content you want to watch. We currently support content from Youtube, SVT Play, Binogi, UR Play and content directly from your phone's camera roll.
Train your eye coordination
The app makes the image stream oscillate from right to left. But your brain perceives it as a regular movie.
You watch your series -
Our App does the rest
The training focuses on improving the brain's control of the eyes for better eye coordination. This improves blood flow and oxygenation of the brain, which increases reading speed, reading endurance and concentration.
Follow your progress
In the app you can easily follow your progress over time and receive recommendations for continued training.
Personalized tips based on your progress
In the app you can follow your or your children's development and results. We offer free accounts for parents to monitor their children's progress! After completing the training, you will receive personal recommendations for further training based on your results and progress.
What is Diplopia?
Diplopia is a condition in which a person sees two images of a single object. This can be a sudden and temporary or a more permanent change in vision that affects everyday life in many ways. The double image can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, depending on the direction in which the double images deviate from each other. It can affect one or both eyes. When it affects only one eye, it is called monocular diplopia, and when it affects both eyes, it is called binocular diplopia.
Sudden double vision
Those who suffer from sudden double vision naturally wonder what causes it. This varies from case to case. A common reason for diplopia to occur suddenly is brain trauma, such as a concussion or double vision stroke .
What causes double vision?
The causes of double vision can vary depending on the individual and life situation. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Concussions and head trauma: Injuries to the brain can affect the nerves and muscles that control the eyes, resulting in double vision.
- Neurological diseases: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, or brain tumors can interfere with eye coordination.
- Muscle weakness: Diseases such as myasthenia gravis can affect the muscles in the eye area.
- Cross-eyed (strabismus): An imbalance in the direction of the eyes can cause them to not focus on the same point.
- Refractive error: Large differences in refractive error between the eyes can create a perception of double images.
- Diabetes: Damage to the nerves that control eye movements can be caused by diabetic complications.
The difference between monocular and binocular double vision
It is important to distinguish between monocular and binocular double vision to identify the root cause:
- Monocular double vision occurs when one eye sees two images. This is often caused by problems in the structure of the eye, such as cloudiness of the lens (cataracts).
- Binocular double vision occurs when both eyes do not work together properly. Here, neurological or muscular causes are more common.
How can double vision be addressed?
There are several treatments that can relieve or completely eliminate double vision, depending on the cause. Some of the most effective methods include:
1. Vision training with VR and other technologies
VR-based vision training, such as the method developed by Imvi Labs, focuses on training eye coordination and relieving brain coordination. The technology is easy to use and can be performed from home.
2. Prism glasses
Prism glasses can be used to adjust the direction of light as it hits the eye. This helps the eyes focus on the same point and eliminates double vision.
3. Surgery for strabismus
If double vision is caused by strabismus, surgery on the eye muscles can be an effective solution to restore the direction of the eyes.
4. Botulinum toxin (Botox)
In some cases, botulinum toxin injections can help improve muscle function around the eyes and reduce the imbalance that causes double vision.
The importance of early diagnosis
Seeking help at the earliest signs of double vision is crucial to prevent the condition from getting worse. Diplopia can be a sign of underlying health problems that need prompt investigation, such as neurological diseases, diabetes, or injuries after trauma. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, double vision can affect daily activities such as driving, working at a computer, or reading. Early intervention offers a better chance of complete vision recovery and improved quality of life.
Did you also know that there is a treatment for vision problems ?
FAQ
How do you know if you have vergence insufficiency?
To know if you have a vergence insufficiency, you can look for signs such as eye strain, headaches, and difficulty judging distances. If your eyes are not working together effectively, it can be an indication of a vision problem. We also offer a free test that you can take here.
What are common symptoms of vergence problems?
Common symptoms include headaches , eye strain, blurred vision, double vision , and difficulty focusing on text. It is important to pay attention to these signs and seek medical attention in a timely manner.
Can you train vergence insufficiency?
Yes, vergence insufficiency can be trained through various methods, including eye coordination training that focuses on improving eye-hand coordination. Traditional exercises, such as moving a pencil back and forth, are examples of this training. Imvi Labs has developed a method that trains eye coordination problems by watching movies in VR.
How does the training go?
You train your eyes to coordinate by watching videos with the Imvi app in our VR glasses. Through our patented technology, the film swings sideways and makes the eyes follow the same movement, while the brain perceives a regular film.
You choose what you want to watch from, for example, YouTube and SVT Play.