Diplopia is otherwise called as "Double Vision". You are diplopic if you see double of whatever you see. The reason for this is because both your eyes focus images differently and so not forming the binocularity. This is one of the most discomfort feelings you might experience with respect to your vision. Double vision could be an intermittent one or in some cases, it is a permanent one.

You might become diplopic as a result of strabismus, cataract etc. Treatments like prisms in eyeglasses, eye muscle surgery, occlusion and patching help to reduce the double vision and increase binocularity. Normally prisms are used as the first treatment to reduce the double vision. Surgical methods are also considered where the abnormality is higher. If none of the above methods found to be suitable, then patching is the last resort. Surgeon will make a decision on which eye to be patched after carefully examining the abnormalities in both the eyes.

Thanks to the advanced patching methods where you don't need to have the black pirate like patches anymore. Black patches not only give discomfort, but also might make you to lose your confidence psychologically because of the weird look. One of the new methods is called "Translucent Patching", where only the portion that causes double vision is patched using semi-translucent patches and/or the new occlusion eyewear. So there is a possibility of some light to reach the eye, but reducing the double vision.

Currently there are some sophisticated occlusion devices available that are suitable for day as well as night-lights. Patching does not necessarily for the entire eye, but only for the portion of that causes double vision.

Non-surgical treatments are also available to reduce the double vision. This treatment is aimed at re-aligning the misaligned eye to work that little extra to instruct the brain to accept the visual pathway created by this eye.