Why you need to train this body system the most.

If you have followed me for a while then you've heard me talk about the eyes before. Why are the eyes important in so many ways? Let's go a little bit into functional neurology: The brain's sole purpose is to keep us alive. In order to do so, different body systems need to function well. Research has shown that in the system hierarchy, the visual system is on the top of the list, followed by the vestibular system (inner ear, balance system), and then the proprioceptive system (movement). Other systems such as the cardiovascular system, lymph system, and others are important but are further down the list.

This is why we need to pay more attention to the visual system:

More than 50% of the cortex, the outer surface of the brain, is devoted to processing visual information.

The visual system is the highest energy consumer. Visual processing accounts for 44% of the brain's energy consumption.

The visual system is the part of the central nervous system that is required for visual perception – receiving, processing, and interpreting visual information. It builds a representation of the visual environment. The brain takes that information and decides if there is a threat to us by the environment or not.

These symptoms can be related to your visual system not functioning well:

(not a complete list)

#1: Back, Neck, Hip, Knee Pain

The eyes are innervated by cranial nerves that originate at the brainstem. The brainstem is a key area for reflexive stability. Yes, core exercises will not benefit much if our brainstem is not activated due to our visual system not functioning well. In addition, if our eyes are not working properly together, we might be creating a compensation posture which will create uneven muscle tightness followed by wear and tear of important joint structures. The eyes also work closely together with our vestibular system, the inner ear. If some of the reflexes that tie the visual and vestibular system together are not optimal, we may experience neck, back, hip, or even knee pain.

#2: Lack of Focus

The eyes are moved by muscles. These muscles give the eyes the ability to focus on one target, move from side to side, up and down, and diagonally. Better eye movement will help us focus better on tasks. Better focus means being more productive.

#3: Lack of Sleep

When our visual system tires out it can have an effect on our sleep quantity and quality. Taking frequent breaks, training the eye muscles, and resting the visual system can all help improve sleep.