ABSTRACT
This chapter presents both the theoretical framework and empirical evidence to support the use of customized eyeglasses for altering brain function. It provides an overview retinal function, at cortical and subcortical levels, with examples of how the mind and body adapt to environmental changes. The effects of retinal stimulation can be quantified by measuring eye movements and pupil functions—part of which are reflexive from brainstem and limbic system activity. The chapter discusses retinal structure. It introduces the concept of neuromodulation, and its effects on behavior and processing. The chapter describes the impact that eyeglasses can have on the nervous system. The retina connects with many systems other than eyesight. Its connections include structures in the cortex, limbic system, cerebellum, midbrain, and brainstem, all of which affect systems such as the endocrine, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and musculoskeletal. Historically, experts have considered the retina as a sensory system, feeding information into the brain’s visual cortex.
