Double Vision in Children: What It Means and What to Do

If your child ever says, “I see two,” or complains that things look blurry or confusing, it’s not something to brush off. Double vision—also called diplopia—is a real symptom that can affect kids more than most parents realize.

And while it can be unsettling to hear, the good news is that double vision in children is often treatable, especially when caught early.

Let’s walk through what it means, what to watch for, and how to help.

What Is Double Vision?

Double vision occurs when the eyes don’t work together properly, so the brain receives two separate images instead of one clear picture.

This is usually easy to notice and explain in adults. But children—especially young ones—may not realize what they’re seeing isn’t normal.

Instead, they might say:

• “The words are moving”

• “The page is blurry”

• “There’s a shadow around things”

• Or they may just avoid reading or close one eye to compensate

  
  

Why Does It Happen?

There are a few common reasons children experience double vision:

• Eye teaming problems (like convergence insufficiency)

• Strabismus (when the eyes are misaligned)

• Uncorrected vision issues or muscle imbalances

• Occasionally, it can be related to other medical concerns (which is why it’s important to have it checked promptly)

  
  

Double vision can occur constantly or only during specific tasks, such as reading, copying from the board, or when tired.

Signs to Watch For

Even if your child doesn’t say “I see double,” you might notice:

• Frequent squinting or closing one eye

• Head tilting while reading or writing

• Trouble keeping place on the page

• Poor reading comprehension or frustration with homework

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain

These signs often get mistaken for attention problems or disinterest in school, when in reality, your child may be fighting through double vision just to keep up.

What Should You Do?

The first step is a comprehensive developmental vision evaluation—not just a basic vision screening. This type of exam will test:

• How well the eyes align and work as a team

• Whether focusing is consistent and accurate

• How your child tracks and processes visual input

If double vision is confirmed, vision therapy is one of the most effective, non-invasive ways to treat the root cause. It helps retrain the brain and eyes to work together properly, often eliminating the double vision.

Double vision is more than just a visual hiccup—it can affect your child’s reading, learning, and confidence. If something seems off, trust your instincts and get a full evaluation. The sooner it’s addressed, the sooner your child can see (and feel) clearly again.