Adapting to Monocular Vision

What is it like Adapting to Monocular Vision

What is it like 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. These are physical as well as psychological. 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, losing an eye can be extremely traumatic, particularly for those people who experience eye loss 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.

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. An Ocularist can help you through this difficult time.