What term is used to describe double vision?

Diplopia is the term used to describe double vision, which occurs when an individual perceives two images of a single object. This phenomenon can arise from various causes, including misalignment of the eyes, issues with the eye muscles, or neurological problems.

Understanding this term is crucial in ophthalmology as it helps practitioners assess and diagnose visual disorders effectively. Recognizing and addressing diplopia can lead to appropriate treatment plans, which may involve corrective lenses, vision therapy, or surgical intervention, depending on the underlying cause. In contrast, other terms such as astigmatism and ametropia refer to refractive errors in vision, while esotropia describes a specific type of strabismus where one eye turns inward. These concepts are essential in the field but do not specifically pertain to double vision.