If you’re having problems with your eyes that doctors can’t figure out, it’s possible that a TMJ disorder could be the cause.
“The list of symptoms of a TMJ disorder is extremely long and many times misunderstood in the medical and dental profession,” says Jeffrey Haddad, DDS, of Doolin Haddad Advanced Dentistry in Rochester, MI.
“The resulting muscular tension, compression of facial nerves and blood vessels, and strains placed on the ligaments and nerves of the face can cause many symptoms that may seem unrelated to poor jaw posture,” continues Dr. Haddad.
TMJ Disorder May Affect the Eyes
“However, if you are experiencing blurry vision along with other TMJ symptoms and haven’t seen an improvement in your vision after seeing an eye doctor, then it’s something to consider,” says Dr. Haddad.
“Since TMJ disorder can cause headaches, headaches can in turn be a contributing factor to your vision problems,” explains Dr. Haddad.
“Cranial nerve II is the optic nerve and is responsible for the health and function of our eyes and proper vision.
“When the mandible is being forced into an uncomfortable muscular position, which is usually the case in a TMJ disorder, many times this tension will have an adverse effect on the cranial nerves and their innervated structures.”
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Innervated refers to the muscle fibers that a nerve impulse causes to contract.
“The most common are cranial nerves V and VII, but many times it can be the optic nerve.
“In addition, just the tension and pain of the anterior temporalis muscles can be perceived as eye pain, especially ‘behind’ the eye.
“These muscles are the main muscles responsible for the anterior and posterior positioning (back and forth) of the mandible (lower jaw).
“When this jaw posture places strain on these muscles, people will experience temporal headaches, pain over the sinuses and definitely pain around the eye sockets.
“If this muscular tension is extreme, spasms can occur resulting in eye twitching and tearing.”
