Stereoblinda

Stereoblinda is a term used to describe a phenomenon where an individual is unable to perceive stereoscopic depth from binocular vision. This means that despite having two eyes, their brain cannot effectively fuse the slightly different images received from each eye to create a sense of three-dimensional space. While the term stereoblinda might suggest a complete lack of depth perception, it is more accurately a deficiency or absence of stereopsis, the specific brain process responsible for stereoscopic vision.

The most common cause of stereoblinda is strabismus, also known as crossed or wall-eyes, where the eyes do not align properly. This misalignment prevents the brain from receiving consistent images from both eyes, hindering the development of stereopsis. Another cause can be amblyopia, or "lazy eye," where one eye has significantly poorer vision than the other, leading the brain to suppress the input from the weaker eye. In some cases, stereoblinda can be present from birth without an obvious underlying cause, or it can develop later due to injury or disease affecting the visual pathways.

Individuals with stereoblinda may experience difficulties with tasks requiring precise depth judgment, such as catching a ball, judging distances for driving or parking, or navigating stairs. However, many people with stereoblinda compensate by relying on other depth cues, such as monocular cues like relative size, occlusion, and perspective. They may also develop enhanced skills in other areas to overcome their visual limitations. While stereopsis itself cannot typically be "cured" once development is complete, vision therapy can sometimes help improve eye alignment and visual function, potentially leading to some improvement in stereoscopic abilities in certain cases, especially if addressed early in childhood.