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Double vision (diplopia)

Also called: Double vision, diplopia

Seeing two of one thing. Sudden double vision can be a stroke or nerve problem and needs urgent care.

TestCover one eye: if it goes away, it's from both eyes

Overview

Double vision with both eyes open that goes away when one eye is covered comes from eye alignment problems, often nerve-related.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Seeing double

Less common

  • Droopy eyelid
  • Headache

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, or vision loss: call 911.
Get care todayNew double vision.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.

Causes

Nerves, muscles, eyes.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Diabetes

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Eye and nerve exam:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

  • Cover one eye for safety
  • Cover one eye

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Control blood pressure

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • People with diabetes: Nerve-related double vision often improves.
  • Older adults: New double vision needs a check.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Many causes improve with treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing this?
  • What treatment do you recommend?
  • Do I need a brain scan?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Double vision (diplopia)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.