Polyopia

Multiple vision, also called polyopia, is a visual illusion whereby one object appears as two or more objects (two images: double vision or diplopia, three images: triple vision, four images: quadruple vision, etc.). Cerebral polyopia may occur as a visual migraine aura symptom.

Question: "My mother recently had an episode of quadruple vision in one eye. She had cataract implants several years ago. The episode lasted about one minute, then resolved completely. there were nom associated symptoms. What could have caused this?" Answered by Richard E. Gans MD: "I have never heard of anyone having 'quadruple vision in one eye'... Although it is theoretically possible for an irregularity within the eye to cause quadruple vision, it would be exceedingly rare. One alternative explanation could be a condition called scintillating scotoma. This is the visual aura that precedes migraine headaches. Some people describe a kaleidoscope type of vision associated with this phenomenon. The symptoms, however, usually last for 10-20 minutes."

(Richard E Gans MD, Newsgroups: ofcn.clinic.eye-doctor, August 5, 1995) © 1995 Richard E. Gans MD

Raieli et al. (2000) "describe an 8-year-old, with a 1-year history of migraine without aura who experienced an episode of unusual visual aura, characterised by a fourfold view of her mother's image. These images were clearly visible only on their right half, and lasted about 30 min, followed by her typical migraine."

References

Raieli V, Eliseo GL, La Franca G, La Vecchia M, Puma D, Eliseo M. Cerebral polyopia in migraine: a clinical case. The Journal of Headache and Pain 2000; 1: 127-129.

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