I have a question regarding recent onset depth perception issues. My dad is walking into doors and counters.

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daughterPattee Asked February 2025

I have a question regarding recent onset depth perception issues. My dad is walking into doors and counters.

My father is 90 yrs old, still alert, active, and avid reader. Two days ago, he started having depth perception issues. He can see the counter, or doorway, yet will walk into them. He's frightening himself with this new issue. He has banged his knee, hands, elbow. He is familiar with his home and its layout, yet cannot distinguish the doorways, counters or hallway. Could this be vision-based or neurological?

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score 8 · Answer 1

It could be neuro but it could be a sudden vision change caused by many things. I would start with the vision exam. If you aren't seeing balance issues yet start with the eyes, and if that checks out without a reason I would move to the MD and explain this well as you are able, and any issues of balance and etc.
Good luck with your followup here.

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score 7 · Answer 2

It's possible he had a stroke and lost some or all of his vision in one eye. This would definitely affect his depth perception. Or, he may have sepsis, which can create neurological side-effects. My 100+yr old Aunt had sepsis (unbeknownst to us) and one day woke up and her vision was flipped. The ceiling was the floor, the floor was the ceiling. She was treated for the infection and her proper vision returned. But I agree with others that he needs to have testing to narrow down the possibilities of causes.

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score 5 · Answer 3

this would be cause for concern for me.
I would contact an eye DOCTOR (an Ophthalmologist NOT an Optometrist)
right away or a trip to Urgent Care (they would probably send you to the ER though.

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score 5 · Answer 4

Find the best Glaucoma specialist. They will screen for more than one eye disease. They can also direct you to other specialists such as neurologists.
Due to visual field problems caused by Glaucoma and other eye disease it is not uncommon for the edge of one's vision to be impaired. At an early stage the patient frequently does not notice the defect. It is called a silent disease. Please be hopeful because there is tremendous medical help and cutting-edge science that can slow the progress of many eye dieses. If you rule out eye disease stay on course for a full medical work up to investigate other causes. I wish you and your dad the very best,

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score 5 · Answer 5

Please continue with his neurological check-up. I also suggest getting an Occupational Therapy consultation. They are experts in addressing neurological issues including spatial awareness & depth perception deficits.
In the meantime, you may purchase neon-colored tape; using each color to highlight the edges of countertops, cabinets & any other areas he may bump into….see how that works but be sure to continue to seek help

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score 5 · Answer 6

I would recommend getting his ears checked.

I have had this phenomenon my entire life when I am having ear problems.

I have always had depth perception challenges until I got glasses.

Two different causes for me walking into stuff.

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score 2 · Answer 7

Yes, depth perception can and often does decrease with age. It may lead to falls etc. First, an ophthalmologist should be consulted to be certain the change in depth perception is not caused by something else. I used to jokingly kid my husband that he was getting clumsy and now I notice I often drop things etc. I’m an old (86) year old retired RN and checked with my ophthalmologist. AARP has a Driver Safety course where they mention changes in depth perception.

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