diplopia
Pronunciation: dip-LO-pee-ah
Double vision resulting from misalignment of the eyes or disruption of normal binocular vision.
Full Definition
Diplopia is the perception of two images of a single object, which can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. It may be monocular (affecting one eye) or binocular (affecting both eyes). Binocular diplopia results from extraocular muscle weakness, cranial nerve palsies (III, IV, VI), or neuromuscular junction disorders. Monocular diplopia typically stems from ocular causes such as cataracts or corneal irregularities. Neurological causes include myasthenia gravis, brainstem lesions, and increased intracranial pressure affecting cranial nerves. The pattern and direction of diplopia help localize the underlying pathology.
Usage
Usage note: Specify monocular versus binocular and describe the direction of separation.
In Context
- "The patient reported horizontal diplopia worse on left gaze, suggesting sixth nerve palsy." — Ophthalmological assessment
- "Monocular diplopia persisted with eye patching, indicating an ocular rather than neurological cause." — Clinical evaluation