Introduction

Cataracts are eye conditions that can affect anyone with age. As the lens becomes cloudy, symptoms such as blurred or hazy vision appear, significantly impacting daily life.

While osteopathy does not directly treat or cure cataracts themselves, it can be utilized as a supportive approach to help create an environment where cataracts are less likely to progress by harmonizing the entire body.

Recent research has revealed that cataracts are not merely age-related phenomena but are deeply connected to oxidative stress and overall metabolic health.

From an osteopathic perspective, based on the fundamental principle that “the body is a unit,” eye health can be understood as part of overall bodily harmony.

Today, I will organize the causes of cataracts based on scientific evidence and discuss the approaches to enhance natural healing capacity that osteopathy can provide.

1. Fundamental Causes of Cataracts

Aging and Oxidative Stress

While aging is the primary factor in cataracts, the underlying mechanism involves accumulation of oxidative stress.

Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

• Oxidative denaturation of lens proteins (crystallins)
• Protein aggregation and insolubilization
• Loss of lens transparency

From my anatomical knowledge as a physical therapist, I understand that the lens is an avascular tissue that depends on aqueous humor for nutrition. This unique structure creates vulnerability to oxidative stress.

Environmental Factors and Lifestyle Habits

UV Radiation Exposure

• Direct DNA damage from UV-A and UV-B
• Excessive production of reactive oxygen species
• Cumulative lens damage

Metabolic Dysfunction Effects

• Sorbitol accumulation due to diabetes
• Progression of glycation reactions (AGEs: Advanced Glycation End Products)
• Changes in lens osmotic pressure

Oxidative Load from Smoking

• Direct oxidative stress from nicotine and tar
• Decreased systemic antioxidant capacity
• Microcirculation disorders

Genetic Predisposition

Individual differences in antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant substance metabolism capacity are also important factors.

2. Osteopathic Perspective on Cataract Understanding

Primary Respiratory Mechanism and Ocular Circulation

In osteopathy, we consider that craniosacral rhythm affects physiological functions throughout the body.

Effects on Intracranial Circulation

• Cerebrospinal fluid circulation abnormalities
• Venous drainage disorders
• Ophthalmic artery and vein circulation insufficiency

Relationship with Autonomic Nervous System

• Persistent sympathetic dominance
• Intraocular pressure regulation dysfunction
• Aqueous humor production and drainage imbalance

Structure-Function Interrelationship

Cervical Spine Mobility Restrictions

• C1-C2 rotational limitations
• Vertebral artery circulation disorders
• Suboccipital muscle hypertonicity

These structural problems can lead to overall visual system dysfunction.

Fascial Continuity Perspective

From a fascial continuity viewpoint, periorbital fascia is closely related to intracranial and extracranial structures:

• Continuity between temporal fascia and orbital fascia
• Relationship between dura mater and periocular tissues
• Effects of masticatory muscle tension on intraocular pressure

3. Systemic Circulation and Antioxidant Systems

Importance of Blood and Lymphatic Circulation

Antioxidant Substance Transport Antioxidant substances (Vitamin C, E, glutathione, etc.) are transported throughout the body via blood flow.

From my knowledge of circulatory systems as a physical therapist, the following factors are crucial:

• Cardiac output and peripheral circulation efficiency
• Promotion of venous return
• Waste removal through lymphatic system

Relationship with Respiratory Function

• Diaphragmatic function and venous return
• Thoracic mobility and circulation efficiency
• Breathing patterns and autonomic regulation

Visceral Function and Antioxidant Capacity

Liver’s Antioxidant Enzyme Production

• SOD (Superoxide Dismutase)
• Catalase
• Glutathione Peroxidase

Intestinal Environment Effects

• Antioxidant substance absorption efficiency
• Antioxidant substance production by intestinal bacteria
• Relationship between intestinal immunity and systemic inflammation

What Our Clinic Can Offer

1. Structural Adjustment

Cranial Bone Adjustment

• Improving mobility of frontal, parietal, and temporal bones
• Recovery of physiological movement of sphenoid bone
• Balancing skeletal structure around the orbit

Cervical Spine Function Recovery

• Improving upper cervical (C1-C2) mobility
• Relieving suboccipital muscle tension
• Improving vertebral artery circulation

Thoracic and Diaphragmatic Adjustment

• Enhancing rib mobility
• Optimizing diaphragmatic function
• Improving respiratory efficiency

Through these approaches, we aim to achieve improved blood flow to the eye area and autonomic nervous system harmony.

2. Release of Adhesions

Intracranial Membrane System Adjustment

• Relieving tension in falx cerebri and tentorium cerebelli
• Improving dural mobility
• Normalizing cerebrospinal fluid circulation

Periorbital Soft Tissues

• Improving flexibility of orbicularis oculi
• Releasing masticatory muscle tension
• Releasing temporal fascia adhesions

Visceral Mobility Improvement

• Adjusting liver position and mobility
• Promoting gastrointestinal peristalsis
• Supporting kidney and adrenal function

Through these methods, we aim to optimize antioxidant systems.

3. Self-Care Instruction

Exercise Instruction for Posture Improvement Reducing vertebral artery compression by improving forward head posture:

• Strengthening deep cervical flexors
• Improving thoracic extension range of motion
• Adjusting periscapular muscles

Breathing Technique Instruction Promoting circulation improvement through diaphragmatic breathing:

• Re-education of abdominal breathing
• Respiratory muscle stretching
• Relaxation techniques

Eye Area Self-Care

• Eye movement exercises
• Proper lighting environment guidance

Lifestyle Improvement Advice

Nutritional Support

• Active intake of antioxidant foods
• Importance of Vitamin C, E, and lutein
• Proper hydration

Environmental Adjustments

• Thorough UV protection
• Precautions when using digital devices
• Indoor environment optimization

Stress Management

• Life rhythm that balances autonomic nerves
• Continuous moderate exercise
• Quality sleep assurance

In Conclusion

While cataracts are indeed age-related changes, their progression rate and severity are greatly influenced by overall health status.

In osteopathy, we do not view eye health as a localized problem but understand it as “a result of whole-body harmony”.

Based on the fundamental principle that “structure and function are interrelated,” we can create favorable “body terrain” for antioxidation by optimizing the entire body from cranium to viscera.

Our clinic integrates anatomical and physiological knowledge as physical therapists with osteopathy’s holistic approach, providing individualized treatment programs according to each person’s physical condition.

“The healing power lies within you”

Based on this belief, we provide support for maintaining and improving eye health from within the body.

If you are troubled by declining visual function or considering preventive care, please feel free to consult with us.

Through evidence-based evaluation and individualized treatment emphasizing individual characteristics, we will support your healthy visual life.

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#Kyoto #KyotoOsteopathyCenter #Osteopathy #Chiropractic #Pain #Numbness #Paralysis #Posture #Walking #Cataracts #VisualFunction #Antioxidant #NaturalHealingCapacity #PhysicalTherapist

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For Those in Japan with Physical Discomfort

Are you unsure where to get care for pain or tension?
Worried about language barriers?

We offer gentle, hands-on osteopathy to support your body’s natural healing.

– Neck/shoulder stiffness from desk work

– Back pain or leg fatigue after travel

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🤝 Still Learning English, but Here to Help
I’m still learning English,
but I study every day to support visitors and residents in Japan.

My English isn’t perfect, but I’ll listen carefully and respond with care.
I often use Google Translate—please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sota Omura,
Qualifications: Licensed Physical Therapist / Master of Health Science

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