A new study from the University of California Berkeley says dressmakers have a clear 3D vision. Otherwise known as "stereoscopic" eyesight, dressmakers truly have visions as sharp as their needles.
According to Science Daily, stereoscopic vision is the brain's ability to decode the flat 2D optical information received by the eyes. Simply put, it gives the depth of perception needed to catch a fast-moving ball, park a car accurately, and thread a needle. Utilizing "computerized perceptual tasks", experts at the University of California Berkeley tested the stereoscopic vision of dressmakers.
The results were then compared to the tests conducted with other professionals. Obviously, they found out that dressmakers are the most "eagle-eyed" among the participants. This study was made possible through the help of the University of Geneva in Switzerland.
Per Berkeley News, the eyesight of the dressmakers is 80 percent more accurate than other professionals at calculating the distance between them and the objects they were looking at. Meanwhile, a 43 percent difference has been recorded when it comes to estimating the distance between the objects. Author Adrien Chopin noted that the reason behind the superior stereovision of dressmakers is probably due to the direct feedback involved with fine needlework.
Nevertheless, the experts are still trying to determine if dressmaking sharpens stereoscopic vision. On the other hand, it could be that dressmakers are drawn to the trade because of their visual stereo-acuity. To better illustrate, focus on a visual target and then blink one eye while still staring at the object. The background should appear to change position.
Now, with stereoscopic vision, the brain's visual cortex combines the 2D perceptions of both eyes into one 3D image. A better understanding of dressmakers' super eyesight will improve ongoing efforts to train people with visual impairments.
Improved stereoscopic vision may also be the key to the success of military fighters, athletes and other occupations that require keen hand-eye coordination. Chopin eventually noted that approximately 10 percent of people suffer from some sort of stereoscopic disorder. Another 5 percent suffer from full stereo blindness.
