Double vision in 1 eye

[chickensaladagain]

I have double vision in my right eye

I've always had a squint and my right eye is my dominant eye so this is causing me problems -mainly when I'm tired

I had an eye test around 2 months ago and there were no problems, I don't wear glasses

I'm going to have to go to the gp aren't I? I like to avoid doctors if at all possible

Could you go back to your optometrist who saw you recently as they should be able to investigate. Are you getting a double image with the left eye completely covered? Has the doubling suddenly happened? Is the doubling at all distances or only when looking at a specific distance such as the TV?

If my left eye is covered it is double, if I cover my right eye my vision is normal

It's worse at distance but still present at close up, but looks more like a shadow rather than separate images

I noticed the shadow occasionally about 6 months ago but it's more constant now -I mentioned it to the optician but my eye test was clear but he just said my eyes were a bit dry and recommended drops which I have been using religiously

So its the right eye. If your right vision is newly distorted, the shadow constant or there are floating bits and pieces in your vision you need to get it looked at urgently (eye A+E), just to rule out a retinal problem. However without distortion and floaters the optometrist or GP would be the first port of call.
I get some minor distortion and doubling when my eye dryness is playing up but a few good blinks usually helps for a few seconds, so then I know its that causing the distortion/doubling. Whatever is causing the symptoms you need to get checked out.

No floaters or distortion

The best example really is if I look at a line -like road markings, it starts off solid and then begins to separate with the two lines getting further and further away

dd has double vision and a squint, but she wears glasses. i'd go to another optician for a second opinion.

That pattern of distortion could be retinal so best to get it checked out. Do you have a piece of graph paper or similar squared paper? Put a dot or little cross in the middle, look steadily at your mark (without moving your eye around) but notice the straightness of the lines around it- and see where the distortion is. Pencil area if possible. Does the distortion go away immediately after a blink (ie tear film related rather than other things)? Take it with you to see optometrist/doctor/ eye specialist depending on who you can see first. HTH

Sorry should have said cover your left eye whilst looking at the squared paper!

If I stare at the dot all the lines swim but my eyes flicker and I find it incredibly hard to concentrate on one spot

This isn't a new thing -they've always done that

Well its good the lines don't bend or distort.

Been to the gp and he has referred me to the eye clinic at the hospital and told me to expect an appointment within 2 weeks

This is bad right?

Keep me away from doctor google -he is not my friend!

It's not bad, that is pretty standard for when they think it might be a retina problem and lots of retina problems can be treated quite simply. At the eye clinic it will be useful for them to know about any other health problems you have and any medication you are on.

They will almost certainly dilate your eyes, so make sure you have someone who can drive you home and take some sunglasses with you. Be prepared not to be able to read too much or do stuff with fine detail for a few hours afterwards.

Better to check sooner than later.

How old are you?

Everyone is talking about retinal problems but it could well be to do with your lens, cornea, or prescription (although this is unlikely to have changed in 2 months for no reason).

Could possibly be cataract, uncorrected astigmatism, etc. If they thought it was a serious retinal problem they would have referred you much more urgently than 2 weeks.

Yes its most likely not a retinal problem, but its best to get that ruled out first. Other causes of the doubling effect need no urgency.

I'm 35

It could be that you've developed a cataract, its unusual at 35, but more likely if you've been taking a course of steroids recently.
It also may be that your lens inside your eye has slipped - subluxated - again more likely if you have marfans or another connective tissue disorder.
I'd be tempted to have another eye exam, especially if your symptoms have worsened since the last time as it will be easier to see the problem. Ophthalmologists are very specialised and if you are referred to a rental clinic and it turns out to be a lens issue, you'll have to be re-referred.

Just to mention, both conditions above can also occur after an eye injury.

No eye injury but I've had 6 squint ops in total -no idea if its related, I've never had double vision due to my squint