What does the medical term diplopia refer to?

Diplopia specifically refers to the experience of seeing two images of a single object, commonly known as double vision. This condition can occur due to issues with the muscles that control eye movement, the optic nerves, or the regions of the brain responsible for processing visual information. Recognizing diplopia is crucial in the field of athletic training and sports medicine because it can significantly impact an athlete's performance and safety, often requiring further medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Understanding the terminology associated with vision is essential for professionals in this field, as it allows them to communicate effectively about potential vision issues that athletes may face.