I recently went to my optician and he gave me a regular eye exam. During the middle of the exam he exclaimed that I have no depth perception. He has been my optician for over six years. I cannot understand why he did not realize this before. Or could I have just recently developed it in the last year?
Will this condition effect daily actions? Can it corrected? What exactly does 'Depth Perception' mean?
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Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D. (xx102@ofcn.org)
Depth perception is the ability to judge the distance of an object from the viewer or from another object. Because our two eyes are separated by a significant distance, each eye sees a slightly different view of an object. When our brain interprets those two images, it creates a sense of depth.
The most common reason why an individual would lack depth perception is if the eyes are not aligned properly. If someone is "cross-eyed" (esotropic), or "wall-eyed" (exotropic) he/she will have no depth perception. Another reason for a lack of depth perception is if one eye has poor vision. One needs both eyes seeing well and aligned "straight" in order to have depth perception.
Depth perception is developed very early in life. If vision problems are not corrected very early, full depth perception cannot be regained.
Many people lack depth perception. Despite this, there are many other ways one learns to judge distances.
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Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
A RICHARD E. GANS, M.D. 11
A A OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic 111
AAAAA xx102@ofcn.org 11
A A A C A D E M Y O N E 1111
http://www.ofcn.org:80/about.ofcn/whois/reg/
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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