Hmmm. I have a dominant left eye. My right eye does have about 90% of what one could consider “normal vision”, but it only comes into play when I look right. Looking straight ahead and left, the left eye does all the work.
I have both a car license and a motorbike license, and effectively, I had to tell a little white lie to get both of them.
My problem is that I was cross-eyed as a kid, and due to an incompetent eye doctor, I was operated upon it too late, causing the brain function of perspective vision to remain dormant. Now, in practise, this means jack all. I never make mistakes in estimating distance or depth.
But when you apply for a license exam in the Netherlands, you’re required to fill out a questionaire. If you answer any of the questions with “YES”, you’re supposed to back up your case with medical proof. One of the questions is: “Do you have an eye condition that could negatively influence your ability to drive?”
Well, technically that answer is “YES”, it could have a negative influence. It doesn’t, according to me and my eye doctor. But proving it medically is a whole 'nother thing. The DMV would look at the medical file, and might refuse me the examination. So I lied, on both accounts.
I’m a safe driver. I’ve had one or two minor accidents in the 10 years I’ve been driving, but nothing even remotely related to my vision.
I’ve had my motorbike license for 8 months now: not long enough to call myself a “good rider”. But so far, no vision problems either.
STILL.
I know that my weak spot is looking over my right shoulder. In the car, I’m used to it, and I just turn my head a little further like astro. Works like a charm.
On a bike, it’s not that easy. The helmet affects your peripheral vision, and the speed and wind limit your ability to turn your head very far. Also, you don’t want to avert your eyes from the road any longer than necessary on a bike.
I find myself overtaking a car, and moving right when I see it in my right mirror rather than by looking over my shoulder: at that point, it’s certainly behind you. I still look over my shoulder, and I still see the car, but I wait. It’s most likely psychological, but I am a tad weary of it.
I can only imagine a weak spot on the left side is more dangerous, as that’s where the faster traffic is (assuming you’re in a right-side-of-the-road country). I’d say take it up with an experienced instructor, and ask them what they think of it. And perhaps an eye doctor, indeed.
