DOUBLE VISION (DIPLOPIA)
Binocular diplopia is a disturbing visual symptom relating to the misalignment of the eyes. One of your eyes may start to turn inwards, outwards, upwards, downwards or any combination of these. It can occur suddenly or can be of gradual onset over a period of weeks or months.
There are many reasons why an eye might become misaligned. Cathedral Eye Clinic can provide an Orthoptic consultation to investigate eye misalignment. Our state registered orthoptist will examine your eye movement, discuss your symptoms and provide an appropriate programme of care.
There are a number of ways in which double vision can be relieved. In some cases, this can be simple treatments such as exercises or an occlusive eye patch. A prism, which is a thin plastic sheet, may be fitted to one lens of your glasses to join the double vision.
Double vision may require further medical investigation. Our orthoptist will advise if this is necessary and will refer accordingly.
SQUINT
A squint is an inward or outward turning movement of an eye. It can occur in early childhood and can remain present into adulthood.
Cathedral Eye Clinic can provide assessment, diagnosis and management options for children and adults with squint.
Adult and Squint
Sometimes a childhood squint does not resolve and can remain into adulthood. Whilst this may not cause any visual symptoms, it can cause problems with your self confidence. If you have a squint, you might be worried about how it looks to other people when you are at home, at work or when you are out socialising. It can affect your personal life and impact on your self-esteem. These are completely normal feelings.
Cathedral Eye Clinic suggest that you do not feel shy about asking for a specialist orthoptic opinion about your squint. In some cases, surgery may be an appropriate form of management. Previous squint surgery is not a barrier to having further squint surgery.
Our Orthoptist will assess your squint and will provide you with a detailed report including squint measurements, both of which are necessary for your consultation with an Ophthalmic Squint Surgeon.
Cathedral Eye Clinic does not provide a squint surgery service, however, our Orthoptist will give you appropriate guidance on how to access this.
Childhood Squint and Amblyopia
There are many different types of squint. Sometimes glasses are enough to treat squint.
Often a squint can cause amblyopia (reduced vision) Amblyopia is the most common cause of treatable reduced vision in children. It occurs when the vision sensing part of the brain (the visual cortex) has not been stimulated correctly eg by the presence of a squint. Normal vision will not develop in this eye without appropriate treatment. There are various types of amblyopia treatment the most common of which are glasses and occlusion.
Cathedral Eye Clinic can provide assessment and measurement of amblyopia. Our orthoptist will then provide an individually based programme of occlusion with follow up care. We suggest you obtain prompt assessment if you think your child may have a squint or amblyopia as the earlier treatment is commence the better the visual outcome will be.
