Learn about Monocular Vision

Adapting to monocular vision? Losing an eye is a major trauma that has ramifications which reverberate in people’s lives. However, it is possible to completely adapt to this different experience, and to thrive.

There are many adjustments that people must make when they lose an eye. When adapting to monocular vision there are physical as well as psychological challenges. Physically, people may encounter challenges with depth perception and their sense of surroundings. Some people may miss a wall or a door that is right next to them, and frequently bump into things (for this reason, it’s highly recommended that you wear polycarbonate lenses so that you protect your vision in your remaining eye). Balance, grasping objects, and playing certain sports can also be challenges. An occupational therapist may help you adjust to some of these difficulties.

Psychologically, eye loss can be extremely traumatic, particularly for those people who lose an eye unexpectedly. People develop a sense of self, and losing an eye can violate that, as well as a person’s self esteem. Some people find it helpful to make jokes about their eye, or talk about their eye loss directly to help adapting to monocular vision.

It can be very difficult to accept this change. It is natural to experience bouts of depression, but with time an adjustment is possible. Seeing a psychiatrist may assist in the grieving and acceptance of losing an eye.