What visual symptom is characterized by double vision?

The visual symptom characterized by double vision is known as diplopia. This condition occurs when a person perceives two images of a single object that is typically viewed as one. Diplopia can arise due to various underlying issues, such as problems with the eye muscles or the control centers in the brain that coordinate eye movement.

In contrast, nystagmus refers to involuntary eye movements, often resulting in reduced vision and depth perception. Strabismus, on the other hand, involves an eye misalignment, which can lead to double vision as well, but it specifically refers to the condition of the eyes being turned either inward or outward. Amblyopia, commonly referred to as "lazy eye," is a developmental condition where one eye does not achieve normal visual acuity, typically due to a lack of visual stimulation in the early years. Understanding these conditions helps clarify why diplopia is the correct identification for double vision specifically.