Adapting To Monocular Vision

Coming To Dinner

Arrive Early
If you are the first to the table you can choose a seat at the end of the table where it is easy to see everyone without having to turn your head.

Eating Gets Easier
Eating at first will feel a bit tricky as your fork and your glass will be in slightly different places from where you think they are.  Take things slowly and remind yourself that you will very soon get used to where everything is.

Develop a Good Pick Up Line
You will experience a little difficulty judging distance properly.  This can lead to knocking things over when you reach for them.  Develop a habit of of reaching out for things and stop before you can touch it.  This is your pick up line.  Move your hand the last little distance very slowly.

Rest Easy With Pouring
With monocular vision pouring liquids can be a bit hazardous at first.  The trick here is to very slowly place the lip of the bottle directly on the rim of the cup or glass.

Careful Near The Stove
Wearing gloves near the stove or barb-b-que will help protect you from burns as you get used to where things are and how you need to make adjustments for your new view on the world.

Getting Out & About

Get Some Perspective
If you are standing directly over a container when pouring it may be difficult to accurately judge when how full it is.  By standing slightly back you’ll be able to see more of the container and gain an accurate assessment of how full it is.

Shadows Need Perspective Too
Shadows cast by objects illuminated by artificial light at night will appear to be a part of an overall object. Again, standing at a different angle will help here as well.

Beware the Mirror Menace
Dim lighting is a challenge.  Large mirrors in dim lighting can appear to be an extension of the room.  In these situations there is a risk of walking straight into mirrors.

Avoid Falls on Stairs and Gutters
Looking down on stairs and gutters gives a false message of depth.  Make a mental note to take care when walking down stairs.  Use the handrail to give yourself extra support.    Make sure you take particular notice of the last step.

Negotiate gutters carefully. To avoid a fall, slow right down, look at the gutter as you approach so your brain can work out the drop from several angles as you approach.  After a while your brain will perform a lot of these tasks automatically.