Introduction
The extraocular muscles play a critical role in controlling eye movement. Each eye has six muscles responsible for its motion in upward, downward, leftward, and rightward directions. If one of these muscles weakens or loses function, it compromises the eye’s ability to move smoothly and accurately. This dysfunction can lead to misalignment between the two eyes, causing them to send mismatched images to the brain, resulting in diplopia (double vision).
Diplopia can significantly interfere with daily life. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment—including corrective lenses, vision therapy, or even surgical intervention—the condition can be managed effectively. Early detection is key to optimizing outcomes.
Physiotherapy and Eye Exercises for Diplopia Management
For some patients, visual rehabilitation therapy may help improve double vision. Specific eye exercises can strengthen weakened ocular muscles, enhance coordination, and restore binocular vision. These exercises are typically conducted over multiple sessions (4–6 sessions) and require consistent effort.
A structured therapeutic plan includes:
• Performing exercises for one hour per day, with intermittent breaks
• Regular visual assessments by an optometrist to monitor progress
• Adjustments to exercise intensity based on the degree of improvement in symptoms
Associated Symptoms and Clinical Indicators
Patients with ocular muscle weakness may present with:
• Strabismus (eye misalignment) in one or both eyes
• Eye pain during movement
• Periocular discomfort, including lid tenderness
• Ptosis (drooping eyelids)
• Headaches associated with visual strain
• Generalized visual fatigue or eye weakness
Conclusion
Diplopia resulting from extraocular muscle weakness can be debilitating but is often manageable through a combination of non-invasive therapies and clinical supervision. With advancements in medical and rehabilitative technologies, affected individuals can achieve improved visual function and quality of life.