Double vision, also known as diplopia is seeing two images of the same object. It can comeon suddenly or gradually, and may be short or long-term. It may not be present all of the time.
There are many causes of diplopia, some of which are treatable.
The DVLA does not allow you to drive with double vision as it is unsafe. If you develop double vision and/or this is confirmed by your hospital eye specialist, you should stop driving and inform the DVLA of your diagnosis.
Driving is allowed if the diplopia can be controlled. This may be done with a prism (a special type of lens that bends light and brings the two images together) or by occluding one eye. This can either be done with a patch, with frosting on one side of your glasses or with a special type of contact lens. The eye that is not covered must have good enough vision to meet normal driving requirements. This requires time to adapt as distances and awareness of objects in the peripheral field of vision may be altered. This process can take months andso it is important to check with your doctor or optician that you have adapted fully before driving. It is also advisable to drive in good light on quiet roads at the beginning.
In the case of long-term diplopia, there may be special cases where driving is allowed withDVLA approval, without the use of a prism or occlusion.
You can be fined by the DVLA for not telling them about a medical condition that affects your driving.
If you were involved in an accident you could even be prosecuted and your current insurance may be invalidated.
It is your responsibility to report diplopia to the DVLA, not your medical team, who maintains your confidentiality. With your permission, the DVLA may ask your medical team for a report.
For further information and guidance on how to report your diplopia online, go to https://www.gov.uk/diplopia-and-driving
Write to the DVLA at:
Drivers Medical Group DVLA Swansea, SA99 1DF
Telephone: 0300 790 6806
Authors: Sarah Hull, Gill Adams, strabismus service
Review date: April 2020