Double vision in Dubai: Which Doctor to See
Double vision (diplopia) means seeing two images of a single object. It can be constant or come and go, affect one eye or both, and may appear with other symptoms such as eye pain, drooping eyelid, headache, or difficulty walking.
Many causes are benign or temporary (for example, dry eyes, recent head injury, or tiredness), while others need prompt medical evaluation (for example, nerve or blood vessel problems). In Dubai, local factors such as dry air from air-conditioning, desert dust exposure, or dehydration can aggravate eye surface problems that mimic or worsen double vision.
When to seek urgent care
- •Sudden onset double vision, especially with imbalance, speech problems, weakness, or numbness
- •Double vision after head trauma or a blow to the face
- •Severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness
- •New drooping of one eyelid with weakness on one side of the face
- •Vision loss in one or both eyes or colored halos around lights
If any of these apply, call 998 (Dubai ambulance) or go to the nearest emergency department. Emergency numbers
Conditions a doctor may consider
Commonly associated causes — only a doctor can diagnose which (if any) applies to you.
Refractive or lens-related double vision
Problems with the eye’s focusing system (for example, having different prescriptions in each eye or an irregular contact lens) can produce double images. An ophthalmologist will check vision and eye alignment.
Dry eye or corneal irritation
Dry, gritty eyes from air-conditioning, dust, or contact lens wear can blur vision and create ghosting or double images. This is commonly reversible with lubrication and environmental changes.
Eye muscle or nerve palsy
Weakness of the muscles that move the eye or of the nerves that control them can cause true double vision that changes with gaze direction. These causes range from inflammation to vascular conditions a doctor will evaluate.
Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes)
When the two eyes are not aligned, the brain may receive differing images and perceive double vision. Strabismus can be longstanding or new and is assessed by an eye specialist.
Neurological conditions
Conditions affecting the brainstem, cranial nerves, or the brain (for example, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or a mass) can produce sudden or progressive double vision. These causes need timely medical assessment.
Trauma-related causes
Head injury or facial fractures can damage eye muscles or nerves and lead to double vision. Evaluation after trauma often involves both eye and imaging tests.
Which specialist should you see?
An ophthalmologist (eye doctor) is the specialist who primarily evaluates double vision. They assess visual acuity, eye alignment, eyelid position, and eye movements, and examine the front and back of the eye. Depending on findings, they may order imaging or blood tests or involve other specialists.
Related specialists who may be involved include neurologists (for suspected brain or nerve problems), neurosurgeons (for structural brain issues), and emergency medicine physicians for urgent care. If you’re unsure where to start, a general practitioner (GP) or primary care physician can do an initial assessment, advise on urgency, and arrange referrals or tests.
While you wait for your appointment
- •Stop driving or operating machinery until a clinician confirms it is safe to do so
- •Rest in a shaded, cool environment and avoid prolonged screen use if eyes feel tired
- •Use artificial tears or saline to relieve surface dryness or dust-related irritation (do not use unknown topical products)
- •Remove contact lenses until assessed by an eye professional
- •Note and record when double vision started, what makes it better or worse, and any accompanying symptoms to share at your appointment
What to expect at the visit
At your visit an ophthalmologist or trained eye clinician will take your medical history, ask about the onset and pattern of double vision, and review any recent injuries, medications, or systemic illnesses. Expect questions about whether one eye or both are affected and whether the double images are side by side, stacked, or variable with gaze.
The clinical exam typically includes vision testing, checking eye alignment and movements, pupil responses, eyelid position, and a slit-lamp exam of the front of the eye. Common tests may include measurement of eye pressures, refraction (glasses prescription), photographic or cover tests for alignment, and, when indicated, blood tests or imaging (CT or MRI) arranged by the treating team.
Top-rated ophthalmology facilities in Dubai
79 matching facilities, ranked by DubaiMed Rating.
Al Amin Opticals -Zeiss Vision expert, Damascus Street Qusais Dubai
Reviews consistently describe friendly, patient staff, thorough eye exams, and a wide selection of frames; the place appears to be a busy, well-regarded optical retail clinic that is part of a larger Al Amin Opticals chain. Website claims multiple stores and qualified optometrists but contains inconsistent/partial information, so formal credentials and detailed pricing are not well documented in the provided evidence.
Al Amin Opticals Al Karama - Dubai
Al Amin Opticals Al Karama is a well-reviewed optical clinic/retailer with consistently positive patient reports about friendly, patient staff and clear guidance on frames and lens options. Evidence is limited to customer reviews (no website or credential information), so clinical credentials and operational details are not documented here.
Serah Opticals Al Ghurair Centre
Serah Opticals Al Ghurair Centre is a well-reviewed optical clinic and store with consistently positive patient reports about friendly, patient staff, thorough eye exams, timely delivery, and good product quality. Website information supports services like certified optometrists, contact lens fittings and an in-house repair workshop, though formal clinical accreditations or named clinician qualifications are not shown in the provided evidence.
Manila optical al Rigga
Manila Optical Al Rigga is a highly-rated optical shop in Al Muraqqabat with multiple patient reviews praising friendly, patient staff and a thorough optometrist-led eye exam. Evidence is positive on service quality and value, but there is little public information about credentials, formal accreditations, or facility details (no website content available).
Shefa MedPoint
Shefa MedPoint (branded online as New Al Shefa Clinic) has consistently positive patient reviews for ophthalmology care, with patients praising doctors for being thorough, communicative, and achieving good surgical outcomes. The clinic's website lists a wide range of ophthalmic, aesthetic, dental and OB‑GYN services, but public evidence is limited about facility amenities, pricing transparency, and formal accreditations.
Shefa Modern Clinic, Al Wasl
Shefa Modern Clinic in Al Wasl is a well-reviewed multidisciplinary clinic with consistently positive patient feedback praising friendly staff, clear communication, successful aesthetic and ophthalmology outcomes, and convenient parking. The clinic's website lists a wide range of ophthalmology, aesthetic, gynecology and dental services and emphasizes experienced doctors and modern equipment, though formal accreditation and pricing details are not shown in the provided evidence.
Barraquer Eye Hospital
Based on the hospital website and five recent patient reviews provided, Barraquer Eye Hospital in Al Jadaf demonstrates strong clinical capability, consistently positive patient experiences, and clear institutional credentials. Evidence shows smooth, well-organized care for procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery, but public information on pricing and some access details is limited in the provided materials.
Aster Opticals - Bur Dubai
Aster Opticals - Bur Dubai is a well-rated opticals store with repeatedly praised, professional staff and consistently positive patient reviews for eye exams, eyewear selection, insurance handling, and quick license-related services. Evidence is strong for patient experience and convenience (including online services), but limited regarding formal clinical credentials and detailed facilities or equipment information.
Aloka Eye Clinic & Day Surgery Center
Aloka Eye Clinic & Day Surgery Center shows consistently excellent patient feedback for cataract, pterygium and other eye surgeries, and the website documents a highly experienced lead surgeon and a broad range of ophthalmic services. Evidence is strong for clinical outcomes and patient experience, but the site provides limited detail on pricing, external accreditations, and specific facility/equipment disclosures.
Serah Opticals, Reef Mall
Serah Opticals (Reef Mall) is an optician/optical shop with consistently high patient reviews praising friendly, professional staff, quick turnaround (some reports of 24-hour service), reasonable pricing, and a wide selection of branded frames. The website advertises certified optometrists, contact lens fittings, and an in-house repair workshop, but specific clinical accreditations and facility details are not shown in the available evidence.
ULTRALASIK EYE CENTER F.Z L.L.C
UltraLasik Eye Center in Dubai Healthcare City shows consistently excellent patient feedback and clear focus on laser vision correction and cataract care. The website lists experienced surgeons, JCI accreditation and procedure pricing, and patient reviews emphasize friendly staff, clear communication, good outcomes and reliable follow-up.
Serah Opticals, Al Barsha 1
Serah Opticals in Al Barsha 1 is a well-reviewed optical retail and eye-care outlet with consistently positive patient reviews praising friendly, attentive staff and thorough eye checks. The website supports services like comprehensive eye tests, contact lens fitting, and in-house eyewear repairs, though formal clinical accreditations and detailed facility or pricing information are not shown in the provided evidence.
Double vision in Dubai — FAQs
Common questions about double vision and seeing a specialist in Dubai.
Sources & editorial note
This guide is consistent with public patient guidance from: NHS, Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus.
This page is informational only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed doctor about your symptoms. In an emergency call 998.