Diplopia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Diplopia?
An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor who can also do eye surgery, usually checks double vision. Some people also need a neurologist, a doctor who treats brain and nerve problems. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is diplopia?
Diplopia is the medical word for double vision. Double vision is when you look at one object but see two images. It may affect one eye or both eyes.
Try covering one eye at a time. If the double vision goes away, it probably affects both eyes. This is called binocular double vision. If you still see double with one eye covered, it probably affects only that eye. This is called monocular double vision.
Symptoms
The main symptom is seeing two images of one object. The double vision may be vertical or horizontal. It may be constant or come and go. It may be worse at the end of the day, or change with where you look.
Other signs may come with it. These can include:
- Pain.
- Drooping of the eyelids.
- Pupils of unequal size.
- Nausea, vomiting, or tiredness.
Children often cannot tell if they have double vision. Signs in a child can include squinting, closing or covering one eye, and tilting the head.
Causes and who gets it
Double vision in both eyes is usually a symptom of a squint. In a squint, problems with the eye muscles or nerves make the eyes look in slightly different directions. The cause may be in the brain, the eye socket, or the eye muscles.
Known causes include diabetes, thyroid disorders, injury, brain tumors, and myasthenia gravis, a muscle weakness disease. Migraine, stroke, thyroid eye disease, and multiple sclerosis can also be causes. In adults, double vision in both eyes can be a sign of a more serious condition.
Double vision in one eye is less common. It is usually caused by eye problems such as dry eyes, astigmatism, cataracts, or keratoconus. Cataracts are cloudy patches over the front of the eyes. Astigmatism means part of the eye is not a perfect shape.
How doctors diagnose it
An eye care professional or doctor asks about your symptoms and does simple, painless eye tests. They may send you to an eye specialist for tests and treatment.
Some people need blood tests or an MRI scan. Most ophthalmologists can evaluate these problems.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Simple treatments can include eye exercises, an eye patch, and glasses or contact lenses. Some causes need eye surgery.
Sometimes no cause is found. Prisms in eyeglasses can then give relief.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you think you have double vision, even if it comes and goes. If the double vision is recent, see an eye doctor right away.
Ask for an urgent appointment if you have eye pain with double vision.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have double vision after a head injury. Do the same if the double vision starts suddenly, because a sudden change in vision can be an emergency. Also go if you have double vision with a severe headache or a large pupil.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can check your symptoms and send you to an eye doctor or neurologist. They can also help manage long-term conditions like diabetes.
Common questions
Is double vision serious?
It is not usually serious, but it should be checked, even if it comes and goes.
Can covering one eye tell me what type of double vision I have?
Yes. If the double vision goes away with one eye covered, it probably affects both eyes. If it stays, it probably affects only that eye.
Can double vision be treated?
Yes. Doctors choose treatment based on the cause. Options include eye exercises, an eye patch, or glasses.
Can a cataract cause double vision?
Yes. A cataract is one of the usual causes of double vision in one eye. Dry eyes, astigmatism, and keratoconus can also cause it.
Sources
- NHS - Double vision
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - Why do I have double vision when I look out of both of my eyes?
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - Intermittent Double Vision
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
