How Vision Impacts One's Senses

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than four decades, experts have explored the relationship between hearing and vision as these two functions relate to speech, and whether or not vision plays a role in the understanding of language. In fact, several studies have shown that there is a distinct connection between vision and other parts and functions of the body such as hearing and mental health. "While many people may feel that all senses of the body are isolated and function separately, each part actually works in concert with one another, with factors such as stress, fatigue, or nutritional imbalances affecting one's visual acuity," said Dr. Sandy T. Feldman, a nationally-recognized ophthalmologist and corneal expert at Clearview Eye & Laser Center in San Diego.  

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Research has shown that vision not only affects – but is affected by – factors such as tension, stress, and nutritional deficiencies. The three most influential factors to affect eyesight include secondary tension and nutritional health of the body; negative thoughts regarding vision or how external realities are perceived; and subconscious memories or past emotional conflicts.¹ "When I speak to my patients regarding an upcoming surgery, I make it a point to stress that not only will their vision be affected but other senses will be affected as well during the recovery process," said Dr. Feldman.

In a recent study conducted at the University of Utah, a reciprocal relationship was revealed in that not only do outside factors impact one's vision, but vision can also influence other functions of the body including speech. Recently appearing in the journal PLOS ONE, the University of Utah study attempted to locate the source of the McGurk effect by recording and analyzing brain signals in the area of the brain that traditionally processes sound, known as the temporal cortex. In doing so, researchers were able to connect the brain's auditory signal to what an individual said they heard, when in reality what they actually heard was something different.

"The University of Utah study reveals the importance of the interrelated connection between vision and other functions of the body," said Dr. Feldman. "Patients should remain current with ophthalmologist appointments to ensure that their vision remains healthy so as not to affect or become affected by other related senses."

This discovery is important in that it demonstrates the important role that vision plays in influencing the auditory function of the brain and how it influences one's sense of reality.

About Dr. Sandy T. Feldman

As a leader in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Sandy T. Feldman has participated in FDA clinical studies of custom LASIK. Currently, she is involved in studies of a new treatment to halt the progression of keratoconus, a disease in which the fitting of contact lenses can become challenging. In 2009, she was one of ten laser eye care providers in the U.S. to receive the Goldline Award as seen in Forbes Magazine. In 2010, she was awarded the Silver Elite RealSelf award, and in 2011, she was awarded Top Doc San Diego, inducted into the prestigious American College of Ophthalmic Surgeons and was one of nation's 15 leading laser eye surgeons as seen in Newsweek magazine. In 2013, Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center was voted best LASIK center in San Diego by CityBeat Magazine. Dr. Feldman is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center
6255 Lusk Blvd, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121
858.452.3937
www.clearvieweyes.com

¹ Martin Sussman, The Program for Better Vision.

Media Contact: Diana Soltesz
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SOURCE Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center