Hello,
Diplopia, or
double vision, can be caused by a variety of factors in the elderly, including:
* Aging: As people age, their eye muscles may become weaker, causing them to have difficulty aligning their eyes and leading to double vision.
*
Eye muscle weakness or paralysis: Conditions such as
myasthenia gravis,
thyroid eye disease, or a stroke can weaken or paralyze the muscles that control eye movement, leading to double vision.
* Cataracts: Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's natural lens and can cause double vision in one eye.
* Diabetes: Diabetes can cause
nerve damage, including to the nerves that control eye movements, leading to double vision.
* Neurological conditions: Parkinson's disease, multiple
sclerosis, and other neurological conditions can cause double vision as a result of nerve damage or muscle weakness.
* Trauma: Head injuries or trauma to the eye or eye muscles can cause double vision.
* Medications: Certain medications can cause double vision as a side effect.
It's important to see a healthcare provider if you experience double vision, especially if it's sudden or accompanied by other symptoms. Treatment for double vision will depend on the underlying cause. In your case it looks like due to aging.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. H. Kay, General & Family Physician