How to adapt to vision loss in one eye?

30 January 2025

Vision plays a key role in how we perceive and interact with our environment. When vision loss occurs in only one eye—known as monocular vision—it can cause difficulties that affect a person's daily life and quality of life. However, with the right coping strategies, a friendly environment, and the necessary support, it is possible to lead a full and active life.

What does vision loss in one eye entail?

Vision loss in one eye can be due to multiple causes: accidents, eye diseases (such as glaucoma or macular degeneration), complications of diabetes, trauma, among others. Regardless of the cause, decreased or absent vision in one eye leads to changes in the way depth, movement, and space are perceived.

In order to compensate for the limitations that arise from seeing with only one eye, there are various strategies and adaptations that can improve independence and safety.

1. Mobility and orientation

• Use visual and auditory cues: take advantage of auditory cues (for example, the sound of traffic or voices) to orient yourself and estimate distances.
• Slightly turn your head: move your head to “replace” in some way the visual field of the other eye, paying more attention to the environment and reducing blind spots.
• Keep areas well lit: increase lighting in hallways, stairs, and work or reading areas; good lighting helps detect obstacles and prevents tripping.

2. Daily tasks

• Mark and label: use labels on household products, such as spice jars or medicines, to easily recognize them without straining your vision.
• Organizing your home: keep objects and furniture in familiar places and avoid clutter that can cause falls or bumps.
• Reading and using screens: adjusting the brightness, contrast, and text size on electronic devices can make reading more comfortable. Programs and applications that read aloud are also useful.
• Sports and exercise: practicing physical activities is still feasible. However, sports that require high depth accuracy (such as tennis or basketball) may require more practice and additional adjustments. Activities such as yoga, pilates, or swimming may be more accessible and beneficial.