Diplopia or double vision refers to the complaint of seeing two images of an object instead of one. The two images can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. It can occur in one eye (monocular diplopia) or both the eyes (binocular diplopia). Homeopathic medicines for diplopia are selected individually for every case taking into consideration the reasons and the attending features. Diplopia can develop due to a number of reasons like keratoconus (cone-shaped cornea), corneal damage from infection/dryness), cataract, strokes, head injury, brain tumors, aneurysms, black eye (a bruise around eyes that results from a blunt blow to the area of the face around the eye or eyes), severe dryness of eyes as in Sjogren’s syndrome, squint, myasthenia gravis, Grave’s disease, (multiple sclerosis, Guillain-barre syndrome, diabetes), migraine headaches, astigmatism and pterygium. Alcohol or other recreational drugs can lead to temporary diplopia.

Homeopathic Medicines for Diplopia

Diplopia can be managed effectively with natural medicines. Before beginning homeopathy treatment for diplopia, an examination and evaluation by ophthalmologist and neurologist are essential. One must take the medicine from a homeopath after a complete case analysis and avoid self-prescription. The top remedies for diplopia are Gelsemium, Arnica, Zincum Met, Causticum, Natrum Mur, Phytolacca, Belladonna, Syphilinum, and Pulsatilla.

1. Gelsemium – For diplopia with Headache

Gelsemium is prepared from the bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens commonly known as yellow jasmine. The natural order of this plant is Loganiaceae. Gelsemium is beneficial for diplopia when attended with a headache. Pain above eyes and across the forehead is felt. A band like sensation is felt around the head. Fullness in the head is marked. In cases needing Gelsemium, there is a double vision mostly when looking sideways. The eyeballs feel sore when moved and there maybe vertigo present. In a few cases, ptosis ( droopy eyelids) may be present. There is heaviness of eyes along with weak eyesight. This remedy is also indicated in cases of diplopia with astigmatism.

2. Arnica – For Diplopia in case of Eye Injury (Bruise)

Arnica is prepared from the root of plant Arnica Montana of the natural order Compositae. Arnica is helpful for cases of diplopia from eye injury (bruise around the eye). Double vision is accompanied by vertigo and this gets worse upon looking downwards. The eye feels painful, sore, red and swollen. Pain in the eye may be shooting and tearing in nature. The eyes also feel heavy with a sensation of great weight. There may also be a headache along with the above symptoms.

3. Zincum Met – For Diplopia with Squint

Zincum Met is a helpful medicine for diplopia with a squint. In cases requiring Zincum Met left eye is more affected with double vision as compared to the right eye. In addition to double vision, the objects may also appear elongated. Eyes may be weak with dim vision. Pain in the eyes may also be felt. Dryness in the eyes is another attending symptom.

4. Causticum – For Diplopia with Ptosis (Droopy Eyelids)

Causticum is useful for diplopia cases where ptosis (droopy eyelids) is present. Eyelids feel heavy. Diplopia may worse on looking sideways where Causticum is indicated. A pressing pain may be felt in the eyes. Dryness in eyes is present. Eyes may also be sensitive to light

5. Natrum Mur – For Diplopia with Weak Eyes

Natrum Mur is indicated for diplopia with weak eyes. There is eye strain, and the eyes get tired upon reading or writing. The vision may be blurred and the eye muscles get weak. The eyelids feel heavy along with a pain in the eyes.

6.Phytolacca – For Diplopia with Vertigo

Phytolacca is prepared from plant Phytolacca Decandra of the natural order Phytolaccaceae. Phytolacca is significant medicine for diplopia attended with vertigo. In many cases, a headache is also present. There is dimness of vision, sensitivity to light and dull pain in the eyes.

7. Belladonna – For Diplopia with Pain in Eyes

Belladonna is prepared from a plant named Deadly Nightshade of the natural order Solanaceae. Belladonna offers help in cases of diplopia with pain in the eyes. The objects may also feel crooked with double vision. The pain is felt deep in the eyes and maybe shooting, aching or stinging in nature. The eye pain gets worse by movement. There is a marked sensitivity to light and the eyes feel dry along with a burning sensation. There may be a pain in the forehead and temple region along with inflammation or ulcer of the cornea.

8. Syphilinum – For Vertical Diplopia

Syphilinum is well-indicated for managing vertical diplopia. One image of an object is seen lower than the other where Syphilinum is required. Pain in eyes may be present that is most worse at the night time. Other attending complaints that may be present includes droopy eyelids, strabismus.

9. Pulsatilla – For Horizontal Diplopia

Pulsatilla is prepared from a plant Pulsatilla named Pulsatilla Nigricans of the natural order Ranunculaceae. Pulsatilla is a useful medicine for cases of horizontal diplopia. Oversensitivity to light, stitches in eyes, pressure in eyes and dryness of eyes are few attending symptoms to double vision in cases where Pulsatilla is indicated. Complaint of keratoconus may be present in some cases.

Symptoms of Diplopia

In many cases, diplopia occurs without any accompanying symptoms. While in other cases few symptoms can attend diplopia. These symptoms that can accompany diplopia include pain in eyes on movement, headache, droopy eyelids, nausea, pain in the temples or around the eyebrows, weakness in eyes, vertigo, eye strain and sensitivity to light or sounds.