Choosing Wisely:

Don’t routinely order imaging for all patients with double vision.

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Rationale and Comments: Many people with double vision, or diplopia, want a CT scan or MRI to see if it is caused by a brain tumor or other serious problem. Much of the time, following a comprehensive eye evaluation, neither test is necessary. The most common causes of double vision are refractive error, dry eyes, cataract and non-neurologic eye misalignment; all readily diagnosed by a complete exam. Only a minority of cases of diplopia result from problems within the brain.
Sponsoring Organizations:
  • American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
    • Sources:
  • Expert consensus
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    Disciplines:
  • Ophthalmologic
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    References: • Lee MS. Diplopia: diagnosis and management. American Academy of Ophthalmology Focal points module. 2007:12.
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