Although we have two eyes, our brain manages to see just one image. This normal viewing process can be disturbed by excess use- especially when looking at a close working distance for extended periods of time. When we lose our ability to maintain the ‘lock’ between the eyes, they can mis-align and aim at different points in space. If both eyes keep transmitting the image back to the brain, we will experience double vision, or diplopia (dih-PLO-pee-ah).

Double vision is a very uncomfortable and unacceptable condition for our visual system. We will most likely ‘suppress’ or turn off the image of one eye rather than experience the double images. When viewing a near point object, the eye muscles ‘converge’ the eyes inward toward the nose. Convergence allows the eyes to maintain the alignment of the image on the same place on both retinas.

Often times you will not experience this doubling of vision while using the computer but afterward. This is a sign that the convergence system is working, but unable to stop working! Fortunately, this problem is not common mainly due to the visual system’s ‘survival’ instinct and suppression ability. However, it is unfortunate as well because the symptom of this type of stress may not be noticeable until it reaches an advanced stage. This is further evidence for the need for periodic eye examinations which can determine your visual abilities for using a computer efficiently.