ClearView Logo
Home   •    Glossary

Eye Ghosting


What is Ghosting?

Ghosting is a visual distortion where a faint double or overlapping image appears, often due to refractive errors, dry eye, or irregularities in the cornea. It can occur after LASIK surgery if healing is uneven or if the eye's surface is affected. Symptoms may worsen in low-light conditions. Treatment options include eye drops, vision therapy, or further correction.


Common Causes of Ghosting

Ghosting, or double vision in one eye, can result from refractive surgery (like LASIK), dry eye, corneal irregularities, or cataracts. Other causes include residual astigmatism, poor tear film quality, or misaligned intraocular lenses. It often appears as overlapping or shadowed images, especially in low light. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve eye drops, corrective lenses, or further surgery.


How Ghosting Differs from Double Vision?

Ghosting and double vision are distinct visual issues. Ghosting appears as a faint, overlapping shadow of an image, often caused by refractive errors, dry eyes, or post-LASIK complications. Double vision (diplopia) creates two distinct images due to eye muscle imbalances or neurological conditions. Ghosting affects one eye (monocular), while double vision can involve both (binocular).


Symptoms of Ghosting

Ghosting symptoms include seeing duplicate or overlapping images, especially in low light. It can cause blurred vision, difficulty reading, halos around lights, and issues with depth perception. Common after LASIK, ghosting may result from dry eyes, corneal irregularities, or healing complications. Symptoms can vary in severity and may improve with time or treatment.


Treatment Options for Ghosting

Treatment for ghosting depends on its cause. Options include prescription glasses, contact lenses, or eye drops for dry eye. If ghosting occurs after LASIK, healing time, additional laser correction, or specialized lenses may help. Managing underlying issues like corneal irregularities or cataracts can also reduce symptoms. Consult an eye specialist for the best approach.


Ghosting and Refractive Surgery

Ghosting, or double vision, after refractive surgery like LASIK can occur due to corneal irregularities, dry eye, or residual refractive errors. It may cause overlapping or shadowed images, especially in low light. Treatments include eye drops, additional laser correction, or specialty contact lenses. Proper post-surgery care helps minimize ghosting.

GET STARTED WITH CLEARVIEW

Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Sandy T. Feldman to discover how achieving visual freedom can change your life.

Google Logo
Facebook logo large
Facebook Logo
Yelp Logo