1.1 What is accurate depth perception?

Accurate depth perception (or: good depth perception) refers to the ability to correctly perceive the relative distances and positions of objects in our environment.

A person with good depth perception can judge the size, distance, and location of objects in our surroundings with a high degree of accuracy. A person with no depth perception can't.

1.2 Does a person with no depth perception see in 3D as well?

Yes, people with no depth perception do not live in a weird 2d world like old Mario games.

People with poor or no depth perception can gauge some distance as well, but it's rudimentary. Often, a person with no depth perception will look for external cues to see how distant something is:

• They look at other objects close to the object, and if one object is partially occluding (e.g. hiding) the other object, it's likely to be in front.
• They look at the size of the object: If it's bigger, it's likely closer.

The person with poor depth perception thinks about size and distance 'logically'. Whereas for a person with depth perception, things just 'pop out'.

Which brings me to an important takeaway: Depth perception is almost like a sixth sense. If you never got it you don't know what you're missing. But if you suddenly get it, you know.

Things are supposed to pop out in your environment, and if you stare in the distance you viscerally feel multiple layers of objects. Whereas for a person without proper depth perception, the distance is largely flat.

Poor depth perception is almost like a painting of a scenery. Yes, you see multiple layers of distance - but you don't 'feel' them.

1.3 How to test depth perception at home

Here's a simple test to see how good your depth perception is:

1. Sit down on a chair.
2. Ask a friend or a parent to hold the index finger about 1m away from your nose. The finger should be pointing upward to the ceiling.
3. Now, swing your right arm from behind slowly, and in a BIG movement towards the upwards pointing index finger. During this movement you have to stay seated.
4. If you miss the finger by a big margin, your depth perception is not good. If you hit the finger at the first try perfectly (without cheating or moving your body), your depth perception is likely ok.

Now important: This is not a professional test. It is designed to give you a quick heads up to see where you stand. [5]

Your local eye doctor can test your depth perception much more accurately (with a 'Titmus Fly Test' for example, you know - that is the fly which you look at with 3d glasses).

‍

2.1 What causes depth perception problems?

Depth perception problems can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Eye problems: Certain eye conditions, such as strabismus (eye muscle imbalance) or amblyopia (lazy eye), can affect depth perception. [6]
2. Neurological conditions: Brain injury, stroke, or neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease can impact depth perception.
3. Aging: As we age, our eyes may not work together as well, leading to decreased depth perception.
4. Poor lighting: Low light conditions can make it difficult to accurately perceive depth.
5. Substance use: The use of certain drugs or alcohol can impair depth perception.
6. Visual problems: Other visual issues, such as double vision or uncorrected blurry vision, can also affect depth perception.

It's important to note that depth perception problems can also be a combination of multiple factors, and a thorough eye examination at an eye doctor can help determine the underlying cause.

3.1 Can poor depth perception be treated?

Yes, with the right approach, many individuals with poor depth perception can experience significant improvement and improved quality of life.

3.2 How can poor depth perception be treated?

Depending on the cause, treatment options may include:

1. Vision therapy: Exercises to improve the coordination of the eyes and improve depth perception. I've personally tried this and it has been partially responsible for improved depth perception.
2. Glasses or contact lenses: Correction of blurry vision (in one or both eyes) to improve visual clarity. This is especially important when the person is suffering from amblyopia (lazy eye). I've personally suffered from amblyopia and led it uncorrected for too long. Not a smart move. This is an easy way to improve depth perception.
3. Medical treatment: Treating underlying medical conditions that contribute to poor depth perception, such as amblyopia or brain injury.
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct eye muscle imbalances or other physical issues impacting depth perception. I've had surgery and it has partially improved my depth perception (in combination with vision therapy, and contact lenses).
5. Adaptive devices: Using tools or devices such as prism glasses to help improve depth perception.

Treatment will vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of poor depth perception, and it is important to work with a healthcare professional to develop an effective treatment plan.

New Treatment Option: Lazyeyefix AI

If the lack of poor depth perception is because of vision problems, such as strabismus, you're in luck. We have a new treatment option available that helps you improve your potential eye misalignment in the comfort of your home.

It helps you point your eyes in the right direction, by making you aware every time they slip off. We do so by using revolutionary Ai technology that tracks the movement of your pupils in relation to each other.

The only thing you need is a Windows or Mac Computer, and a webcam. And some courage of course, to download the version for free here:

Mac: click here.

Windows: click here.

‍