A waveguide display includes multiple diffractive optical elements (DOEs) that are configured to in-couple image light, provide expanded exit pupil in two directions, and out-couple the image light to a user. An in-coupling DOE is configured to split the full field of view (FOV) of the image light into left and right portions. The left and right FOV portions are respectively propagated laterally in left and right directions in intermediate DOEs which comprise upper and lower portions. The intermediate DOEs provide for exit pupil expansion in a horizontal direction while coupling light to an out-coupling DOE. The out-coupling DOE provides for exit pupil expansion in a vertical direction and out-couples image light with expanded exit pupil for the full FOV. The intermediate DOE portions are configured to steer image light back towards the center of the waveguide to avoid dark areas or stripes in portions of the out-coupling DOE.