Osteochondrosis and Its Impact on Vision

Osteochondrosis is a very common spinal disorder that often leads to the formation of intervertebral hernias and causes various complications. Among many complaints such as neck pain, limited mobility, dizziness, and headaches, there is frequently a worsening of vision.

THE DANGER TO THE EYES FROM UNSTABLE VERTEBRAE

In the cervical spine, the vertebral arteries pass through, supplying the brain with blood. As a result of the degeneration of cartilage tissue in the intervertebral discs and the rupture of the fibrous ring, these arteries and nerve fibers can become compressed, leading to impaired cerebral circulation. This affects various parts of the brain and reduces the conductivity of nerve impulses.

When the cervical vertebrae are compressed, the structures of the medulla oblongata, which are responsible for breathing and heart regulation, are primarily affected. However, as is well-known, the visual analyzer is also located in the occipital region of the brain. When hypoxia (a lack of oxygen) affects this area, vision may deteriorate.

Symptoms of Vision Problems Due to Cervical Osteochondrosis

Patients often complain of:

  • The appearance of “floaters” (small moving spots) in their vision,
  • Periodic darkening of vision,
  • The appearance of colored spots or flashes,
  • A foggy feeling before the eyes,
  • Double vision and other focusing disturbances,
  • Reduced visual field,
  • Decreased visual acuity,
  • A feeling of tension and sometimes pain in the eyes.

Most people do not pay much attention to dizziness or occasional darkening of vision. However, this seemingly trivial and everyday discomfort can mask serious changes in the function of the visual analyzer.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To clarify the diagnosis, the patient should undergo an examination under the supervision of a doctor. Clinical diagnostics often reveal an increase in intraocular pressure, degeneration of the retina due to narrowing and sclerosis of its arteries and swelling of the optic nerve.

Causes of Cervical Osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis often develops because a person is forced to stay in the same position for long periods of time. This is a common issue for computer workers and drivers. The neck also does not tolerate repetitive, monotonous movements. The development of osteochondrosis means that the bone tissue begins to grow alongside the vertebrae, disrupting the work of muscles and ligaments. This also affects the functioning of the spinal cord. The negative consequences are worsened by the prolapse of intervertebral discs (hernias).

In such cases, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further complications, especially those related to vision.

PROGNOSIS OF VISION WITH CERVICAL SPINE HERNIAS

Treating a hernia can halt the worsening of vision. Of course, the stages of the disease vary, and no one can predict how quickly this pathology will progress in each individual patient. However, the lack of proper treatment can lead to serious vision problems, and even blindness.

Due to spasm of the eye muscles, the focusing ability of the eye (accommodation) is disrupted. This means that the patient is not always able to focus on a particular object right away, and sometimes the lens muscles spontaneously relax, “blurring” the entire surrounding image. Without treatment, this process can worsen to the point of atrophy of the lens muscles, where the eye is no longer able to focus independently.

There is also a risk of developing myopia. For example, if a person constantly leans too close to the object they are working with, functional myopia can develop. The lens becomes accustomed to a position where nearby objects are best visible. Over time, the ability to contract and stretch quickly to focus on both near and far objects is lost, and functional myopia progresses to organic myopia.

Increased intraocular pressure very often leads to the development of glaucoma. Without treatment, glaucoma almost always results in complete vision loss.

If you are experiencing vision problems and are aware of a cervical spine hernia, inform your ophthalmologist about your diagnosis during the consultation, as the negative impact of cervical hernias on vision is a proven fact. This will help reduce the time spent diagnosing the cause of your eye discomfort, allow treatment to start sooner, and increase the chances of recovery.

PREVENTION OF VISION IMPAIRMENT IN OSTECHONDROSIS

A patient diagnosed with osteochondrosis is always at risk of vision problems. Usually, the measures aimed at treating osteochondrosis also serve as prevention of vision deterioration.

To improve cerebral circulation and regenerate cartilage tissue, the following are recommended:

  • Neck massage (collar zone),
  • Electrophoresis,
  • Therapeutic physical exercises (LFK),
  • Vitamin therapy (with a focus on B vitamins),
  • In more complicated cases, medication treatment.

If vision disturbances have already manifested due to osteochondrosis, symptomatic treatment of the visual analyzer is also carried out in addition to treating the underlying condition.

To protect yourself from cervical osteochondrosis:

  • Quit smoking,
  • Include vitamins in your diet,
  • Strengthen the muscular corset (neck and back muscles),
  • Avoid keeping your head in one position for more than 30 minutes,
  • Perform neck stretches (gentle tilts, turns, rotations) for 10 seconds.

A healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of many diseases, including osteochondrosis and intervertebral hernias.