Alternative Therapies for Diabetes Diplopia

Diplopia is medical terminology for double vision. Diplopia is often a complication of diabetes and can be brought on by cataracts, cerebrovascular disease, eclampsia, hypertension or stroke. Some treatments for diabetes diplopia include painful injections and surgery. Surgery is sometimes prescribed to treat the diplopia, but there are alternative therapies for diabetes diplopia. All treatments for eye disorders should be closely monitored by an opthamologist.

Vision Therapy

• According to childrensvision.com an alternative therapy for diabetes diplopia is vision therapy. Therapy under a licensed eye doctor will include exercises much like physical therapy for the brain and eyes. A program for visual therapy will be individualized by the prescribing eye doctor and may include use of special lenses, prisms, optic filters, eye patches, computer programs, balance equipment and strengthening exercises. A patient suffering from diabetes diplopia would be required to meet with a therapist weekly as well as working on the therapy independently.

Eye Patch

• An alternative therapy that has been used for years and has seen excellent results is the use of an eye patch. Diabetic diplopia can be treated with a patch because wearing the patch will suppress the unwanted image creating only one image. With time the eyes can be trained by the patch to work together to create the one image instead of two. A contact lens that blocks the image will have the same effect as a patch and is much less noticeable.

Home Remedies

• Homeopathic and holistic therapists tout herbal remedies, yoga exercises, speed reading and other alternative medicines to help with the symptoms of diabetic diplopia. However, there is no such research to support these claims.