Lots of CPers (my self included) have issues with depth-perception due to strabismus (aka "lazy eye"). If the weaker side eye muscles weren't trained properly early on, the brain sets up a hard dominance in the stronger eye and images from the weaker eye are poorly processed. Both eyes need to be able to simultaneously focus on an object in order to perceive depth (binocular vision). Everyone has a dominant eye, but those folks with uncorrected strabismus have a dominate eye that is...well, dominant! Putting on 3-D glasses for the Godzilla movie does you no good because you're exclusively looking out of the red or green lense.
So, how do people without depth-perception acquire skills (like driving) that require the ability to perceive spatial relationships? We have a form of "learned" depth-perception that allows us to determine where things are in space through cues such as shading, focus, or known size relativities. Stairs are a drag if they are evenly lit. You can't tell if you need to step up or down. It can sometimes appear to be in the same plane.
________________________________
From: Cerebral Palsy List on behalf of ehthiers
Sent: Thu 4/10/2008 1:20 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: low vision - assistive aid question
Mary,
Have you had your eyes check by a neuro- opthamologist lately? What is your
acuity? You actually sound like you have more of a vestibular system issue.
The vestibular system is something of a sixth sense that we don't think
about. It's what lets your body know where you are at and if you are moving
or not (a very quick and simplified explaination). Usually, some kind of
knowledgeable neuro person such as a good ENT, neuro-opthamologist or such
can help you find a reputable vestibular rehabilitation place. Dizzy and
seasick feelings are signs of vertigo. Vertigo is a sign of many different
kinds of disorders and you need a good doc who can help you piece it
together.
Beth t. the OT
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Cerebral Palsy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Mary Powers
> Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 7:37 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: low vision - assistive aid question
>
> Hello,
>
> just joined the list a couple days ago.
>
> I have CP on my right hand side, hemiplegia.? it is mild
> enough that it doesn't tend to show up in neurologist exams,
> but it is definitely there.? walking and all of the ADLs are
> challenging and - I never had any therapy as a child so I'm
> learning it now - my control of my RHS is slowly improving.
>
> Fear made it worse.? never having PT/OT - the pediatrician
> thought I didn't need it despite me being a preemie and
> walking late, etc. - I learned all the wrong habits.
>
> most importantly, I learned to associate using my body with
> FEAR.? b/c blank space, empty space - it was an abyss.? it
> didn't look different, but I cannot navigate it well.? I get
> dizzy and seasick.? I feel much better when I hold on to
> walls and other surfaces.? when I make it to where I'm going,
> like I can lean over the sink, I start crying with relief.
>
> which makes me think, this is all too hard.? I have vision
> difficulties - no depth perception - I am virtually blind in
> some ways.? I spend a lot of time in my room b/c the panic,
> vertigo, terror, and nausea is too great.
>
> sometimes even going downstairs is too hard.
>
> I am 39.? I was trying to work but have been on leave.
>
> I am wondering.
>
> I'm thinking about assistive equipment.
>
> does anyone else have low vision?? and if so, what do you use?
>
> I can balance so I think a wheelchair is not needed.? the
> problem is that I need something in front of me, like a
> walker or a cane.? I need to see and feel something touching
> solid ground.? then I am OK.
>
> does anyone have any suggestions?
>
> thanks
>
> Mary Katherine
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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