binocular diplopia

Binocular diplopia, or double vision, occurs when the eyes are not properly aligned, causing the brain to perceive two images of a single object. This happens because the image projected onto one retina does not fall on the corresponding point of the other retina.1

This condition is often caused by issues affecting the external eye muscles or the nerves that control them. Potential causes include myasthenia gravis, inflammatory processes, thyroid eye disease, diabetes, trauma, infections, and tumors. In some cases, the cause may not be identifiable.1

Treatment varies but can include temporarily covering one eye, using prisms in eyeglasses, or surgical realignment of the eyes. Addressing any underlying medical conditions is also crucial. In young children, misalignment can lead to the brain suppressing one image, potentially causing permanent vision loss (amblyopia) if not corrected.12