The eyes are one of the main senses. Thanks to them, all living things have the ability to perceive the world. It is believed that vision provides us with about 90% of the incoming information. As you know, in order to normally see objects, the combined work of both eyes is necessary. Thanks to binocular vision, we have the ability to perceive not only the size and shape of the image, but also its location in space. Unlike humans, some living things (birds, reptiles, horses) see objects with each eye individually. In other words, they are characterized by monocular vision. In some cases, this is also observed in humans. Since this ability is not peculiar to humans, this type of vision is considered pathological and requires treatment.
What does monocular vision mean?
The science of vision is called ophthalmology. It covers not only eye diseases, but also studies the development, various types of vision in people and other living beings. For example, you can learn about such a feature of birds as monocular vision. This type of vision allows some animals to distinguish objects with each eye individually. It is known that the eyesight of birds is several times better than that of humans. Due to the fact that their eyes are located on the sides, they see most of the space around them. The field of view of birds is about 300 degrees. This gives them the opportunity to see images not only in front and side of themselves, but also behind. Based on this, monocular vision means the ability to perceive objects with one eye. Normally, it is found in all birds except for owls, as well as in many animals.
The difference between monocular and binocular vision
Thanks to ophthalmology, one can answer the question of how monocular vision differs from binocular vision. Each of these types of vision has its advantages and disadvantages. Monocular vision allows you to receive information only about the shape and size of the image. Nevertheless, this type of vision is necessary for animals, because thanks to this they can view objects from two sides simultaneously. As a result, their field of view increases. This is necessary for hunting and protection in the animal world.
The structure of the organ of vision in humans is different from birds and animals. The center of vision is in the cerebral cortex. Thanks to the cross of nerves, the information received from each eye is converted into a single image. That is, a person has binocular vision. In addition to the fact that this type of vision is distinguished by the ability to examine an object with two eyes at once, it also has other features. Binocular vision is characterized by the perception of the image in space. This implies the ability to distinguish at what distance from the eyes the object is, volumetric or flat.
Pathologies in which monocular vision is observed
As you know, both monocular and binocular vision are found in humans. Nevertheless, the disconnection between vision, which is considered the norm for animals, is a pathology for humans. Monocular vision in humans is of 2 types. In the first case, the ability to see with only one eye constantly (right or left) is implied. This can be observed with one-sided blindness. Under another type of monocular vision is meant alternating vision of the right or left eye. This type is found in diplopia. The cause may be congenital eye disorders or trauma.
Diagnosis of types of vision
It is important to diagnose in time not only the monocular vision itself, but also its cause. Often the source of the problem is eye injuries, vascular disorders, congenital anomalies. Therefore, in addition to instrumental methods, it is necessary to question the patient in detail about when the ability to see has changed. The type of vision can be established during a four-point color test. Thanks to this method, the presence of mono-, binocular or simultaneous vision is determined.
A different color filter (red and green) is installed in front of each human eye. A screen with 4 circles is located at some distance from the organs of vision. Each of them has a color (white, red and 2 green). Depending on how many circles the patient sees, the ophthalmologist makes a conclusion about the type of vision. Normally, a person distinguishes all 4 figures. In this case, the white circle for it acquires a red or green color. With monocular vision, the subject sees only 2 or 3 figures on the screen. In some cases, the patient notes 5 circles. This is rare and characteristic of the simultaneous (both mono- and binocular) type of vision. This deviation from the norm does not require treatment.
Why does strabismus develop with binocular vision?
It is known that during the neonatal period, the child does not have binocular vision. Its formation begins at the age of 1.5-2 months. At this time, fragmented vision is considered the norm. At 3-4 months, the baby develops a reflex, according to which the images obtained with two eyes are perceived as a single one. Nevertheless, the formation of binocular vision ends only at the age of 12. Based on this, a disease such as strabismus belongs to children's pathologies. At the same time, the child cannot focus his eyes on a specific subject. The movements of the organs of vision can occur not at once, one eye squints and mows in bright light. The cause of this pathology is the incorrect or belated formation of binocular vision. This is observed with myopia, astigmatism, or farsightedness.
Binocular vision with strabismus: treatment of pathology
In order to form binocular vision in a child, it is necessary to diagnose strabismus in time and begin treatment. First of all, you need to identify the cause of the pathology. It is required to choose a method for restoring binocular vision. Strabismus treatment begins with a set of exercises necessary to strengthen the eye muscles. In order for the child to properly exercise for vision, you need the control of parents or a doctor. In some cases, wearing special glasses is indicated. If the child has amblyopia, then it is necessary to increase the load on one of the organs of vision. For this, one of the glasses of the glasses (on the side of the healthy eye) is sealed.
Binocular vision recovery methods
Methods of treating binocular vision can be divided into physical and surgical. In the first case, exercises for the eye muscles are implied. They must be done regularly, several times a day. In some cases, this method is enough. Most often, in addition to charging for the eyes, wearing glasses is required. They help get rid of the cause of strabismus (myopia, astigmatism, farsightedness). Another treatment for binocular treatment is surgery. It is used in cases where strabismus correction in other ways is impossible.