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Double vision

Double vision, another name for diplopia, is seeing two images of a single object instead of one, for some or all of the time. The images may be vertically separated (on top of the other), horizontally separated (side by side) or both.

Although we see with two eyes, each of which creates its own, slightly different image, we normally have single vision, meaning we see only one image of an object. This is because your brain can normally control the muscles that move each eye carefully so that both are pointing accurately at the object you are looking at. When each eye produces its own image, your brain then joins them together into one. This gives us what is called single binocular vision.

Double vision can be an effect that you can create yourself. For example, if you hold your finger in front of your eyes and then look past it into the distance, you will experience double vision. This is normal.

Double vision and blurred vision are often thought to be the same, but they are not. In blurred vision, a single image appears unclear. In double vision, two images are seen at the same time.

There are two types of double vision. These are monocular and binocular.

double vision
  • Monocular diplopia is double vision in only one eye. This type of double vision continues even when you completely cover the unaffected eye. If you cover the affected eye you should be able to see normally.
  • Binocular diplopia is double vision, produced by both eyes failing to work together properly. This type of double vision will stop if either eye is covered.

If you have double vision, it may have implications for driving. See the 'useful links' section for how to inform the DVLA about medical conditons.

You should visit your GP if you have double vision. For adults who have never had double vision before, it is particularly important that you contact your GP immediately. It can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.

Reproduced under the terms of Click-Use Licence number C2009000382. The content of this page has been published under a Click-Use Licence (link this to http://www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/index) which covers the use of core Crown copyright information. The original material can be found on NHS Choices.