Lack of stereo vision?

[pdovy]

For as long as I can remember (I'm 19 now) I haven't had what I'd call stereo vision. That is, if I were to look through binoculars or something similar, I have to look through the right or left because I'm unable to merge the images.

I questioned my optometrist about this maybe 2 years ago, at which time he told me I had "parallax vision" and just perceived depth differently than those with normal vision. Additionally my left eye is considerably weaker than my right when trying to read the vision chart.

Is "parallax vision" a real name for the condition? I've tried to search for it online but without success.

I've found similar conditions where people do not have binocular vision, but if any of those apply I must have only a mild case. I do not have any of the symptoms I've seen mentioned like difficulty with depth perception (I'm not the next sports superstar, but I'm not clumsy and I'm fine with driving), learning disabilities (I enjoy reading and I've always been at the top of my class), headaches, blurred vision, etc.

I'd like to understand what I have, and make sure my vision is as good as I can make it.

Thanks!
Paul

[Chris Ryser]

I'd like to understand what I have, and make sure my vision is as good as I can make it.

You probably have some amblyopia in one eye. Go and see an ophthalmologist that is specialised in that field.

[66Lenses]

I would advise you to visit an ophthalmologist for more accurate response and needful.
In normal vision, both eyes see different image and brain maps it to one with 3D effect and similar. But in parallax vision, images as seen by both eye can not be mapped onto one and instead third image is also seen that appears more of a merged one. Its also called Magic Eye or stereogram.

Another reason for poor merging could be related to your weak ocular muscles, again check with your ophthalmologist.

And as you mention one of your eyes is weaker, could it be due to weak ocular muscles as well ? Just a thought.

[harry888]

Paul,

A lazy eye could be the cause of depth problems, but the parallax comment makes me think you are one of those individuals that are "strongly binocular"

Strongly binocular individuals don't do well with artificial situations. They have normal depth but don't see those "magic eye" 3-D posters. They also are not hypnotizable, these personalities are not easily lead and tend to be quite cynical.

I've noticed it in about 15% of the population I examine.

Harry

[orangezero]

pdovy, I'd go to an eye doctor that specializes in visual development (most of these are optometrists who specialize in behavior optometry or vision therapy). There are certainly qualified ophthalmologists but they are few and far between, and generally concerned with other areas of eye care. Ophthalmologists are highly trained surgical specialists.... but that doesn't make them the best for visual functioning necessarily.

where do you other posters work that you think ophthalmologists are far and away the best to deal with this issue??

Anyway, I'd be reluctant to comment on your condition until there was a comprehensive visual functioning exam performed, not just a regular eye exam. some places wouldn't even detect these problems because they aren't checked for..

good luck.

[jas256]

WOW,

Thanks for pick-me up Chris! Seeing and ophthalmologist for a binocular vision issue is truly funny! As was just stated, seeing an optometrist who has knowledge and experience in vision therapy and/or binocular vision would be best.

It's impossible to make a decision as to what is happening without doing a thorough exam.

Just my two cents worth

[fjpod]

I won't even say what I think.

[orangezero]

fjpod