Neuro-Optometry Can Address Parkinson’s Symptoms

My guest on the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Show this week was Dr. Janet Kohtz, member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.  After extensive diagnostic assessments, she provides prisms and glasses to assist a persons with Parkinsons who are having mobility challenges. I asked Dr. Kohtz during the show what symptoms can be relieved with optometric treatments.

One of the problems has to do with locomotion.  The Parkinson’s patient can get stuck in space.  He wants to walk over to the kitchen table, but has to sometimes be given a gentle push to start the movement. One of  the most important aspects of peripheral vision is goal-directed locomotion. Remember, the vestibular system is in charge of gaze stabilization in space.  But, possibly the most important aspect of our vision is not 20/20 central vision, but the sub-conscious peripheral vision.  This is what makes  a great football player who is able to wind his way down a football field avoiding other players. And this sub-conscious peripheral vision is what STARTS our movement forward.   

Glasses, prisms, color, and vision rehabilitation therapy can help.  Parkinson’s is a problem of the brain, and the eyes work through the brain also.  They aren’t just sitting there on the edge of the head, operating all by themselves.  As a matter of fact, the eyes hook up with all the other systems of the body in the brain.

Dr. Janet Kohtz

If you are on the lookout for options that will help with locomotion and balance be sure to listen to my radio show interview with Dr. Kohtz which opens up a new treatment alternative that is natural, safe and effective.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

 

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