What is the primary purpose of binocular vision?

The primary purpose of binocular vision is to create depth perception. This occurs when both eyes work together to provide slightly different perspectives of the same scene. The brain processes these two images to construct a three-dimensional representation, allowing us to judge distances and perceive the depth of objects effectively. This ability to discern how far away objects are, as well as their relative positioning in space, is crucial for tasks such as reaching for items, driving, or navigating complex environments.

While enhancements to peripheral vision, faster eye movements, and improved color differentiation can also be linked to the overall functionality of vision, they are not the primary purpose of having binocular vision. Instead, the main function arises from the convergence of the two visual fields, enabling a detailed understanding of spatial relationships.