Can Cataracts Cause Double Vision Even with Glasses?

Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition that causes clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision. While many people associate cataracts with blurry vision or sensitivity to light, one lesser-known symptom is double vision—even when wearing prescription glasses. But how and why does this happen?

In this blog post from DRHC Dubai, we’ll explore the connection between cataracts and double vision, explain when this symptom should raise concern, and what treatment options are available.

What is Double Vision?

Double vision, also known as diplopia, occurs when a person sees two images of a single object. It can be monocular (affecting one eye) or binocular (affecting both eyes):

• Monocular Double Vision: Persists even when one eye is closed; often due to issues within the eye itself.
• Binocular Double Vision: Disappears when one eye is closed; usually caused by a misalignment of the eyes or neurological problems.

How Cataracts Can Cause Double Vision

Cataracts can cause monocular double vision, which is distinct from the type caused by neurological or muscular problems. Here’s how:

• As the lens becomes clouded or misshapen by the cataract, light entering the eye is scattered instead of being focused on the retina.
• This light scatter can result in overlapping or multiple images, particularly in one eye.
• The brain perceives these overlapping signals as double vision, even if you’re wearing properly prescribed glasses.

Glasses correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism—but they cannot correct the cloudiness of a cataract. So, even with glasses, vision distortion or double vision may persist if the cataract is significant.

Signs That Cataracts Might Be Causing Your Double Vision

If you’re experiencing double vision even with glasses, and especially if it’s in just one eye, you may have cataracts. Other signs include:

• Blurred or cloudy vision
• Sensitivity to bright lights or glare
• Halos around lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Frequent changes in prescription glasses
• Colors appearing faded or yellowed

When to See a Doctor

Double vision can be a symptom of many eye conditions, so it’s essential to have a proper eye examination. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice:

• Sudden onset of double vision
• Double vision in one eye that persists with the other closed
• Progressive vision changes despite updating your glasses
• Headaches or eye pain accompanying vision changes

At DRHC Dubai’s Ophthalmology Department, our eye specialists perform a thorough eye examination to diagnose the cause and severity of your symptoms. We use advanced diagnostic tools like slit-lamp examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and dilated eye exams to assess cataracts and other possible causes.

Our Related Blogs

• Your World in Focus Again: Why Cataract Surgery is Life-Changing
• Do You Still Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?
• Cataracts or Wrong Prescription? How to Tell the Difference
• Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription? It Might Be Cataracts
• Wearing Glasses but Still Can’t See Clearly? You Might Have Cataracts
• Vision Getting Blurry Despite Glasses? Signs It Could Be Cataracts
• How Cataracts Affect Your Reading Glasses and Near Vision

Treatment for Cataract-Induced Double Vision

1. Early Cataracts – Monitoring & Glasses Adjustments

In early stages, your ophthalmologist may recommend:

• Updating your glasses prescription
• Using anti-glare coatings
• Improving lighting when reading or working

While these steps won’t cure the cataract, they may temporarily relieve symptoms like glare and minor double vision.

2. Advanced Cataracts – Cataract Surgery

If cataracts are significantly affecting your vision, cataract surgery is the most effective solution. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear intraocular lens (IOL), restoring proper focus and eliminating the double vision caused by the distorted lens.

Cataract surgery is a safe, quick, and highly successful outpatient procedure performed at DRHC Dubai by experienced ophthalmic surgeons using state-of-the-art technology.

Conclusion

Yes, cataracts can cause double vision—even when wearing glasses. This type of double vision, typically monocular, is due to the distortion of light caused by the clouded lens inside the eye. Glasses can’t correct this problem, but cataract surgery can.

If you’re experiencing double vision or other visual disturbances, don’t ignore them. Book a consultation with our eye care specialists at DRHC Dubai to determine the cause and find the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Let us help you restore a clear, single vision.
Call us at +97142798200 or visit www.drhc.ae to book your appointment.