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Monocular describes vision that relies on a single eye. The term applies to people who have vision in only one eye or to optical devices like a telescope or microscope designed to be used with one eye. Monocular vision contrasts with binocular vision, which uses both eyes simultaneously.
read more about monocular vision ...Monocular vision develops when one eye has severe vision loss or is surgically removed. Causes include trauma, advanced diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration, or conditions like severe amblyopia that reduce the function of one eye to near zero.
A person with monocular vision compensates for the loss of two-eye input by relying on various visual cues.
The effect of monocular vision is the loss of fine stereopsis (3D depth perception). The ability to accurately judge distances, particularly at close range (reaching for something), is reduced. However, the brain quickly adapts using the visual cues listed above.
Monocular vision also results in a reduced visual field. The total field of view is smaller than binocular vision, and there is a blind spot on the side opposite the working eye. Awareness of these limitations helps with tasks like driving or navigating crowded spaces.
Yes, most jurisdictions allow driving if the visual acuity in the working eye meets specific standards.
No, the brain uses other cues to estimate depth, though fine 3D perception is reduced.
Therapy cannot create binocular vision but can improve the efficiency of the working eye.
If you have vision in only one eye, protect your remaining sight with polycarbonate safety lenses. See your doctor immediately if you notice new floaters, flashes, or a "curtain" in your field of vision, as these are signs of a retinal emergency.
AAO. Driving with Monocular Vision (aao.org). 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. Monocular Vision: Adapting to Sight in One Eye (clevelandclinic.org). 2023.
Review of Optometry. The Monocular Patient (reviewofoptometry.com). 2024.
National Eye Institute. Protect Your Vision (nei.nih.gov). 2024.