Do You See Double? How Prism Glasses Can Help

Do you ever find yourself seeing two images instead of one? This frustrating experience can be a sign of Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD), a condition where the eyes do not work together smoothly as a team. Fortunately, there are effective solutions. Prism lenses are often prescribed to help align your vision, reduce double images, and restore comfortable, single vision.
 

What Is Double Vision?

Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) occurs when your eyes struggle to work together as a team, making it difficult to create a single, clear image. Instead, the brain receives slightly different images from each eye, which can result in seeing double—whether side by side, stacked vertically, or even at an angle. Double vision can be constant or come and go, and it’s often linked to how the eyes coordinate their movements.
 

BVD and double vision may develop due to a variety of factors, including:
 

•          Subtle misalignments in the eye muscles

•          Problems with the nerves controlling eye movement

•          Head injuries or concussions

•          Underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or neurological issues

If you’re experiencing symptoms of BVD or persistent double vision, it’s essential to schedule a NeuroVisual™ Exam. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment and clearer, more comfortable vision.
 

How Prism Glasses Work

Prism glasses are specially designed lenses that help correct the way light enters your eyes. Unlike regular glasses, which improve focus for conditions like nearsightedness or farsightedness, prism lenses are crafted to shift images into proper alignment. This allows your brain to merge the two images into one, reducing or eliminating double vision.
 

The prism in the lens bends light before it reaches your eye, compensating for misalignment and helping your eyes work together. Prism glasses do not cure the underlying issue, but they can provide significant relief from double vision symptoms, allowing you to go about your daily life with improved clarity and comfort.
 

What to Expect When Getting Prism Glasses

If prism glasses are recommended, your optometrist will measure the exact amount and direction of prism needed to correct your vision. These measurements are unique to each person and are incorporated directly into your prescription lenses. It may take a short period of adjustment as your eyes and brain adapt to the new way images are being processed, but most patients notice immediate improvement.
 

Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision

Double vision caused by Binocular Vision Dysfunction can make everyday life challenging, but you do not have to live with it. Prism lenses offer a proven and comfortable way to regain clear, single vision and improve your quality of life.
 

If you are experiencing double vision or suspect you may have BVD, schedule a NeuroVisual™ Exam with Ocean Park Optometry to learn if prism glasses are right for you. Visit our office in Santa Monica, California, or call (310) 452-1039 to book an appointment today.