Binocular vision, the ability to use both eyes simultaneously to perceive depth and distance, is spelled /baɪˈnɑːkjələr ˈvɪʒən/. The word is derived from the Latin binus (meaning "two") and oculus (meaning "eye"), combined with the English term "vision". The first syllable is pronounced like "bye", the second like "nawk", and the final syllable like "ler". The emphasis is on the second syllable, with a secondary stress on the fourth. Good binocular vision is important for many activities, such as driving, sports, and reading.
Binocular vision refers to the ability of an organism to merge visual inputs coming from both eyes into a single, three-dimensional image. It is a physiological condition where the individual perceives a single, unified perception of the visual field. This is facilitated by the overlapping visual fields of the eyes, allowing for depth perception, accurate distance estimation, and the ability to perceive objects in three dimensions.
In binocular vision, each eye captures a slightly different perspective of the world, due to the different vantage points created by their separation. These differing views are then integrated and interpreted by the brain, allowing for the perception of depth. This depth perception enables accurate judgments about the relative distance, size, and position of objects in the visual field.
The coordination of both eyes and the merging of visual information occur through a process called binocular fusion, which takes place in the brain. Binocular fusion occurs when both eyes send their individual visual inputs to the primary visual cortex for interpretation and integration. The brain then combines the separate images, aligns them, and produces a single unified image in three dimensions.
Binocular vision is crucial for various activities such as depth-based tasks, hand-eye coordination, and perceiving the world accurately. Animals with binocular vision, including humans, predators, and prey, rely on this ability to navigate their environments, judge distances accurately, and interact effectively with their surroundings. In humans, it plays an essential role in activities such as driving, sports, and daily tasks that require spatial awareness and accurate depth perception.
Vision, with a single image, by both eyes simultaneously.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "binocular" is derived from the Latin word "binoculus", which is a combination of "bi-" meaning two, and "oculus" meaning eye. "Binoculus" evolved from the combination of "bi-" and "oculus" during the 18th century. The term "binocular vision" combines "binocular" and "vision", referring to the ability of an organism to perceive depth and a three-dimensional image by using both eyes simultaneously.