Ghosting

Ghosting is a visual phenomenon where a person sees a faint duplicate of an image, slightly offset from the original. This can happen in one or both eyes and is often described as seeing a shadow or "ghost" of the object you're looking at. Ghosting is different from double vision, as the secondary image is not distinct, but rather a faded or shadowy version. Ghosting can occur due to issues with the eye's optics, such as irregularities in the cornea or lens, or it can result from issues with the way light is focused on the retina.

• Causes: Ghosting can be caused by conditions like astigmatism, corneal irregularities (such as scarring), dry eye syndrome, or issues following refractive surgery like LASIK. Cataracts, which cloud the eye’s natural lens, can also cause ghosting. In some cases, it may result from an eye alignment issue or be a symptom of more serious conditions affecting the brain or optic nerve.
• Symptoms: Ghosting is characterized by seeing a faint duplicate or shadowy version of an image. It is most noticeable when looking at high-contrast objects, like text on a page or a dark object against a bright background.
• Treatment: Treating ghosting depends on its underlying cause. Corrective lenses can help manage astigmatism or refractive errors. For individuals experiencing ghosting after refractive surgery, additional surgery or enhancement procedures may be required. Managing dry eyes or treating cataracts with surgery can also reduce ghosting symptoms.