Your Eyes Impact Your Thinking

I shared in a previous email the importance of vision training and the profound impact it has on how we function. The eyes are neurologically connected to the spine, the vestibular system (inner ear), and even the heart. Today, I like to share more details about peripheral vision, the vision that occurs outside the point of fixation. It is the awareness of what’s around us in space. The latest research found that the peripheral vision circuit connects to a lot of other areas in the brain. It connects to emotions, movement control, and how we think. 

Let's do a simple peripheral drill:

1. Sit or stand and find a target (something on a wall) to look at straight in front of you.
2. Take a few good breaths, inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.
3. While keeping your eyes on the target and the head still, try to pay attention to what is on the left, right, above, and below (in front) of you. Again, make sure your eyes do not move away from the target.
4. Check how far you can see to the side of you.

You may not feel any different after this drill but if you practice this every day you will create a lasting brain change that can possibly impact Alzheimer's (Alzheimer's patients lose first their peripheral vision), anxiety, and overall well-being.

PERIPHERAL VISION BENEFITS:

 Benefit #1 Better Balance and Movement

The eyes are neurologically connected to the spine via the brainstem and the vestibular system (inner ear/balance system). Peripheral vision plays an important role in balance. Information/input coming in through the eyes activates the brainstem and influences reflexive spinal stability. The vestibular system is in charge of determining where we are in space. The more quality data comes in from the environment, the better the brain can predict and make us move better. In addition, vision is coordinated by the cerebellum, which also controls movement.

 Benefit #2 Better Thinking

Vision is controlled by the cerebellum. The cerebellum sends information to the contralateral (opposite) frontal cortex. Thoughts are formed in the frontal cortex. A better functioning cerebellum will send better information to the cortex = better thinking! That is the same correlation that has been shown to be beneficial when running/working out before school and improved academic grades.

Benefit #3 Prevent Falls

Better peripheral vision improves better awareness of our surroundings. It is a crucial function to prevent falls.