# Diplopia (Double Vision)

URL: https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/conditions/diplopia/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-13

## Quick answer

Diplopia, or double vision, is seeing two images of a single object. It may be monocular (present in one eye alone) or binocular (only when both eyes are open, resolving when one is covered). Binocular double vision is almost always caused by misaligned eyes — a squint — and is the type Mr Mohyudin most commonly assesses and treats.

## Overview

Diplopia — commonly called double vision — occurs when the two eyes fail to work together to produce a single, fused image. The brain receives two slightly misaligned images and cannot suppress one of them. It may be monocular (affecting one eye only, persisting when the other eye is closed) or binocular (affecting both eyes together, resolving when one eye is covered). Binocular diplopia is almost always caused by a misalignment of the eyes — a squint (strabismus) — and is the type most commonly assessed and treated by Mr Mohyudin.

## Treatment

Management depends on the underlying cause. Fresnel prisms applied to spectacles can provide temporary relief while the cause is investigated or while waiting for surgery. Botulinum toxin injection to an overacting muscle may help in selected cases. Squint surgery to realign the eyes is the definitive treatment for stable, longstanding diplopia due to strabismus. Mr Mohyudin specialises in strabismus surgery in both adults and children, including complex cases with restricted ocular motility.

## FAQs

### What is the difference between monocular and binocular double vision?

Monocular diplopia persists when the other eye is covered and usually points to a problem within one eye, such as cataract or corneal irregularity. Binocular diplopia disappears when either eye is covered and indicates a misalignment of the eyes. The distinction guides which investigations are needed.

### What causes binocular double vision?

The most common cause is a squint (strabismus), which may be long-standing or newly acquired. Other causes include thyroid eye disease, cranial nerve palsies (which can follow diabetes or high blood pressure), myasthenia gravis, and orbital trauma. New-onset double vision should be assessed promptly.

### How is double vision treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Fresnel prisms on spectacles can relieve double vision temporarily while the cause is investigated. Botulinum toxin helps in selected cases. For stable, long-standing diplopia due to strabismus, squint surgery to realign the eyes is the definitive treatment.

### Should I cover one eye while I wait?

If covering one eye abolishes the second image, a temporary patch or fogging lens can make walking safer for a short time. It is not treatment. You still need the cause found, particularly if the double vision is new.