The Importance of Stereoscopic Vision

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What is Stereoscopic Vision?

As we briefly touched on before, stereoscopic vision is what occurs when our eyes work together to produce the effect of depth in our minds. Not to get too bogged down with scientific terms we have to discuss a few things to get us all on the same page. The manner in which stereo vision is produced is actually pretty straight forward. When both eyes engage and fixate on a target a few things are happening to get us to perceive true depth. The angular difference between the right and left eye, when they fixate on a target, results in the stimulation of depth perception in the mind and lets us perceive a complete and depth-filled picture.

Why Is Stereoscopic Vision Important?

The importance of stereo vision is something that might not be implied on just hearing the term but it is most certainly a crucial part of our visual system. Having true depth perception is a skill that is the bedrock for most of, if not all, our daily ongoings in life from playing sports, to tying our shoes and the list is endless. Not being able to see in stereo vision has an equally long list of implications such as not being able to judge distances between objects appropriately which can affect how we drive, cross the street or play catch with the kids. The personal safety aspect is one of the main things we consider when a person cannot perceive depth. If our mind can’t truly appreciate the space between objects it will change how we engage with the environment and not for the better. Also, along with external engagement, it will change how we interact with ourselves, making us overcautious or careful because we come to know the danger of not being able to see things where they truly are in space in relation to other objects, especially if they are moving.

What Should I Do If I Can’t See in Stereo?

Congratulations, You are one step closer to achieving stereo vision by pursuing treatment with Amplify EyeCare. For most cases, stereovision is a skill that can be built up in vision therapy sessions. After you’ve had your comprehensive vision and sensorimotor exam and this culprit popped up we can begin to treat your needs. Throughout vision therapy there are many exercises that work to restore or completely rebuild the system which controls how we perceive depth. By getting proper motor alignment of the eyes and engaging our “feel” system we can get the patient to not only perceive depth but also to have a full appreciation of it. With continued in-office therapy this skill will translate into the outside and you’ll see it like never before.

Find an amplify doctor near you

Start Your Journey Towards Better Vision With an Amplify EyeCare Optometrist Near You

Amplify EyeCare is a team of a passionate and experienced optometrists practicing eye care at the cutting edge of technology and vision science. We are growing with new locations coming across the US.

Visit a Vision Therapy eye doctor at an Amplify EyeCare practice near you:

Amplify EyeCare Santa Clarita in Santa Clarita, California
Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach in Bellflower, California
Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga in Hixson, Tennessee
American Family Vision Clinic in Olympia, Washington

Common Questions

What are the benefits of stereopsis?

Stereopsis, often referred to as binocular depth perception, is the ability of the eyes to perceive depth and three-dimensional structure from visual information. This skill is crucial for tasks that require judging distances, such as catching a ball, driving, or threading a needle. Stereopsis enhances spatial awareness and provides a richer, more detailed view of the world. If someone has difficulty with stereopsis, they might struggle with tasks that involve depth perception.

What is an example of stereopsis?

An example of stereopsis in everyday life is when you reach out to grab a cup from a table. The subtle differences in the images from each eye allow the brain to calculate the cup's distance, ensuring you grasp it accurately without knocking it over. This depth perception, derived from the combined input of both eyes, allows for precise hand-eye coordination, enabling smooth and efficient movements in a three-dimensional world. If stereopsis were absent, judging the exact location of the cup would be challenging, leading to potential misjudgments in distance and positioning.

Summary

Stereoscopic vision is the ability to register objects as being three-dimensional in relation to themselves and other objects by way of visual input through the binocular system. Put simply, our eyes work together to produce the depth we ascribe to three-dimensional objects in our mind.