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Monocular diplopia accompanying ordinary refractive errors
1Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 15, 1988
Summary
Monocular diplopia, or double vision in one eye, can be caused by common refractive errors. Minor optical irregularities, like spherical aberration, are likely culprits, not just severe vision problems.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optical Physics
Background:
- Monocular diplopia is a frequent complaint in ophthalmology.
- Its underlying causes are not always fully understood, often attributed to complex ocular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of ordinary refractive errors to induce monocular diplopia.
- To identify the primary optical mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Inducing image defocus (spherical and astigmatic) in normal eyes.
- Applying geometric blur circle theory and optical modeling.
- Photographically documenting the induced diplopia effect.
Main Results:
- Monocular diplopia was successfully induced in 82% of tested normal eyes using simple defocus.
- Spherical aberration was identified as a key factor in causing diplopia with refractive errors.
- Retinal contour enhancement likely amplifies the perceived double vision.
Conclusions:
- Common refractive errors, not just significant pathologies, can cause monocular diplopia.
- Minor optical irregularities like spherical aberration are significant contributors.
- Ophthalmologists should consider refractive error as a potential cause for monocular diplopia.