What is the medical term for double vision?

The medical term for double vision is "diplopia." This condition occurs when a person sees two images of a single object, either temporarily or persistently. Diplopia can arise from various causes, including misalignment of the eyes, issues with the muscles controlling eye movement, or neurological problems affecting visual processing.

Strabismus, on the other hand, refers to a disorder in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. It is a related but distinct condition that can lead to diplopia, among other symptoms.

Photophobia is a sensitivity to light, resulting in discomfort or pain in bright environments, and does not relate to double vision. Nyctalopia, commonly known as night blindness, involves difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. Recognizing these distinctions is important for understanding various visual disorders and their appropriate terminology.