The invention relates to a method for optically sensing the surrounding area of a vehicle using at least one optoelectronic emitting/receiving device that is mounted on the vehicle. According to the method, a monitoring area located in the field of vision of the emitting/receiving device is scanned and, in addition to the monitoring area, a region of particular interest is scanned by using at least one radiation deflecting device, which is located in the field of vision of the emitting/receiving device, however, outside of the monitoring area. The invention also relates to a corresponding sensing device.