If depth perception works because the brain checks the difference in the position of the object between the two eyes and concludes how far away it is, how can we still see depth when one eye is closed?

Question

If depth perception works because the brain checks the difference in the position of the object between the two eyes and concludes how far away it is, how can we still see depth when one eye is closed?

In: 3602

Answer 1

The short answer is: you can’t. But your brain can kind of fake it based on experience.

If you know how big a car is and then you look at a car, you can kind of know how far away it is based on its apparent size. But you don’t really *know* how far it is the way binocular vision would tell you. That’s good enough go not get hit by a car probably.

However, if I were to say toss you a ball, and it’s not a precise size you’re used to, if you’re trying to catch it you’re likely to struggle. You might catch it anyway or you might not, but it will be harder and you’re more likely to fumble if only using one eye.