How Vision Can Impact Balance

Our visual centers orient us in space, and our ability to see clearly contributes to our ability to balance while standing, walking and moving in our environment both at home and in the community.  In settings with low lighting, the ability to process visual input is crucial in order to move about safely. 

Regular eye exams to assess for possible deficits or changes in vision are important for men and women of all ages as balance partially depends on our visual input.  Approximately twenty percent of the nerve fibers from the eye interact with the vestibular system which is the part of the inner ear and brain that help control balance.  The American Journal of Ophthalmology did a study looking at visual acuity and balance and found that for every line of vision failed on the testing chart, there was a 15% higher odds of failing a balance test.  

If you have visual issues and see that your balance has negatively affected your ability to safely participate in daily activities or you find you are having difficulty navigating low-lit environments, we can help!  We use different visual strategies during our balance training sessions such as closing eyes while doing balance work, or adding stabilization exercises that challenge your visual system to assist with balance.  We also help patients with strengthening the other systems that contribute to balance, mainly our vestibular system and our proprioceptive system, which consists of the muscle and joint receptors in the lower body that respond to help us stay upright.  

If you haven't had an eye exam in the past year, we encourage you to schedule one, and as always, at Health in Balance Physical Therapy, we are ready to assist you to improve your balance in order to live a healthy and vibrant lifestyle!  Call us today to schedule your balance evaluation!