Symptom 14. Double Vision: The Disorienting Experience of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
Double vision, also known as diplopia, is another common symptom associated with Thyroid Eye Disease. The underlying cause of double vision in TED is the inflammation of the muscles that control eye movement, which can cause misalignment of the eyes, making it difficult for them to work together effectively. When the eyes are unable to align properly and move out of sync, it’s causing a person to see two overlapping images instead of one. This making daily tasks like reading or driving challenging and disorienting. Double vision can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, and it can occur in one or both eyes.
Double vision in TED can be intermittent or constant, and it can be mild to severe. In some cases, it may be more noticeable when looking in a specific direction, such as up or down. Double vision can be especially problematic when it affects both eyes, as it can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as driving or reading.
Treatment options for double vision in TED may include medications to reduce inflammation (this may involve corticosteroid medications or other anti-inflammatory treatments), as well as specialized eyewear, such as prisms, to help the eyes work together more effectively. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to realign the eye muscles and restore normal vision.
In the rare, but still occur cases, double vision may improve on its own as the inflammation subsides. However, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience double vision, as it can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as TED. (14)
