How to Address Double Vision Without Immediate Medical Attention

Understanding Double Vision

Dealing with double vision can be frustrating and confusing. However, it is not advisable to simply assume you can 'wing it' and potentially ignore the underlying causes.

Double vision, or diplopia, can be a symptom of various conditions ranging from age-related changes to more serious diseases. The first step to addressing this issue should always be a professional diagnosis. A doctor or optometrist can determine the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.

Understanding the Causes of Double Vision

There are several reasons why you might experience double vision. These can be broadly categorized into age-related causes, medical conditions, and repetitive strain injuries resulting from prolonged near vision work.

When you spend significant time focusing on close-up objects, such as reading, using a computer, or watching TV, your eyes have to work harder to converge. This can lead to muscle fatigue, which might result in blurred or double vision. If left unchecked, this strain can cause additional harm, such as eye strain, headaches, and even prolonged visual fatigue.

Considering you are in a digital age where screen time is increasingly common, it is crucial to ensure your visual environment is optimized for your specific needs. Failing to do so can exacerbate the problem.

Preventing Visual Fatigue and Double Vision

One of the best ways to prevent or mitigate double vision due to visual fatigue is to ensure your visual environment is ergonomically optimized. Pay special attention to your screen settings and your overall workspace setup.

Here are some steps you can take:

Adjust your screen settings: Use tools like Color Contrast Accessibility Validator or Score My Screen to optimize your screen's color contrast and display settings. This can reduce the risk of inducing visual fatigue and double vision. Take regular breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule - every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help relax your eye muscles and reduce strain. Get an ergonomic assessment: Consider having your workspace evaluated by an occupational therapist or ergonomist to ensure your setup promotes good posture and reduces eye strain. Use assistive tools: If your work involves a lot of close-up work, consider using tools like eye patches or special exercises like Brock String exercises to strengthen your eye muscles.

These steps can help reduce the risk of developing or worsening visual fatigue and double vision. However, it is important to note that while these measures can be beneficial, they should not replace a professional medical check-up.

Ensuring Accessibility and Ergonomics

With the increasing focus on digital accessibility, many organizations are now adapting their websites to meet standards like WCAG 2.1. However, it is ultimately up to the individual to ensure their screen settings are optimized for their personal needs.

Tools like the BoIA Color Contrast Validation tool or the My Computer My Way website can help you ensure your screen settings are appropriate for your visual needs.

The S.M.A.R.T. Foundation UK also offers a Display Screen Optimizer to help you assess and improve your screen ergonomics.

Conclusion

While you can take steps to address and mitigate visual fatigue and double vision, it is important to prioritize regular eye exams to rule out more serious underlying issues. Professional medical advice can ensure that you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment.