From the Guidelines
Blindness in one eye can make it harder to pour latte art due to reduced depth perception and potential visual-spatial impairments. When you have vision in only one eye (monocular vision), you lose stereopsis, which is the ability to perceive depth based on the slightly different images received by each eye. Latte art requires precise positioning of the pitcher above the cup and careful judgment of distances while pouring milk into espresso. Without binocular vision, it becomes more challenging to accurately gauge the height of the pour and the distance between the pitcher and the coffee surface. Although the study by 1 focuses on stroke rehabilitation and visual-perceptual impairments, it highlights the importance of visual and spatial awareness in performing daily tasks, which can be applied to the context of pouring latte art.
Some individuals with monocular vision may develop compensatory skills, such as using other depth cues like relative size, motion parallax (moving slightly to gauge depth), and shadows. With practice, muscle memory, and consistent positioning, baristas with vision in only one eye can become proficient at latte art despite the initial challenges. Key factors to consider include:
- Reduced depth perception
- Potential visual-spatial impairments
- Importance of developing compensatory skills
- Practice and muscle memory to improve proficiency.
From the Research
Impact of Monocular Vision on Motor Function
- Monocular vision has been found to have a negative effect on children's motion processing and motor functions 2
- A study on survivors of retinoblastoma with monocular vision found that they had a higher rate of decreased motor function and lower quality of life, with difficulties in daily functions requiring control during movement, such as jumping, running, and ball playing 2
Vision and Art
- Normal vision and eye disease can influence an artist's work, with the retina coding for contrast and color processing playing a role in art history 3
- Artists with eye disease, such as color blindness or cataracts, may adapt their work to compensate for their condition, with some using their condition to create unique effects 3
Binocular Vision and Motor Function
- Binocular vision is important for motor function, with binocular visual dysfunction potentially leading to difficulties with tasks requiring coordination and control 4
- Vision therapy can improve binocular visual dysfunction in patients with mild traumatic brain injury, leading to improvements in convergence, pursuit, and saccades, as well as increased fusional reserves 4