Diplopia means seeing two images of a single object instead of one clear picture. It can affect one eye (monocular) or both eyes together (binocular).
Why double vision occurs
Binocular diplopia usually happens when the eyes are misaligned so they point in slightly different directions. Monocular diplopia is more often related to problems within one eye, such as corneal irregularity, cataract, or refractive error.
- May be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal double vision
- Often worse when looking in a particular direction or when tired
- Can be associated with headaches, eye strain, or imbalance
Is diplopia serious?
Sudden diplopia can indicate a serious neurological or vascular problem and should be assessed urgently. Ongoing or intermittent diplopia is usually investigated by an ophthalmologist.
