Say “no!” to seeing twice: Can laser eye surgery fix double vision?

Experiencing double vision can be disorienting and frustrating. It’s the kind of vision problem that can significantly impact your daily life. If you’re grappling with double vision and wondering if there’s a solution, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore the question on your mind: Can laser eye surgery fix double vision?

What is double vision?

Double vision, also known as diplopia, is a condition where you see two overlapping images of a single object, either vertically or horizontally. It can result from various underlying causes, such as misalignment of the eyes, certain eye conditions, or health issues.

The role of laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery, like SmartSight, LASIK or PRK, are primarily designed to correct common refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. These procedures reshape the cornea to allow light to focus correctly on the retina, thus improving vision.

Can laser eye surgery fix double vision?

The answer to this question isn’t straightforward and depends on the cause of your double vision. Here’s how laser eye surgery may help:

1. Refractive errors

If a refractive error (such as myopia) causes your double vision, laser eye surgery such as LASIK, Smartsight or PRK can correct the underlying issue. By reshaping the cornea, it can potentially eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses and reduce the occurrence of double vision associated with uncorrected refractive errors.

2. Presbyopia

As we age, presbyopia can cause double vision for close-up objects. LASIK blended vision can be an effective solution for presbyopia, reducing your need for reading glasses and potentially improving the double vision related to this age-related condition.¹PMC, E. (2015) Laser Blended Vision for presbyopia: Results after 3 years, Europe PMC. Available at: https://europepmc.org/article/med/25910743 (Accessed: 27 February 2024).

When laser eye surgery may not be the solution

Laser eye surgery may not be suitable for all cases of double vision. If your double vision is due to underlying medical conditions, neurological issues, or eye muscle problems, it’s essential to address the root cause with the appropriate medical treatment.

The importance of a professional assessment

To determine if laser eye surgery can help with your double vision, we recommend booking a free assessment with us.

During the assessment, we will thoroughly evaluate your eye health and discuss your specific visual concerns. If laser eye surgery is an option for you, we’ll provide a personalised recommendation, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.