The Organ of Vision and the Stomatognathic System—Review of Association Studies and Evidence-Based Discussion

Abstract

The stomatognathic system is a functional complex of tissues and organs located within the oral and craniofacial cavities. The craniofacial anatomical factors and the biomechanics of the temporomandibular joints affect many systems throughout the body, including the organ of vision. However, few scientific reports have shown a relationship between the organ of vision and the stomatognathic system. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of connections along neural, muscle-fascial, and biochemical pathways between the organ of vision and the stomatognathic system. Based on the literature presented in this review, the connections between the organ of vision and the stomatognathic system seem undeniable. Understanding the anatomical, physiological, and biochemical interrelationships may allow to explain the interactions between the mentioned systems. According to the current knowledge, it is not possible to indicate the main linking pathway; presumably, it may be a combination of several presented pathways. The awareness of this relationship among dentists, ophthalmologists, physiotherapists, and optometrists should increase for the better diagnosis and treatment of patients.

The Axial Length of the Eyeball and Bioelectrical Activity of Masticatory and Neck Muscles: A Preliminary Report

“…An increase in correlation strength during closed eyes measurement may indicate the suppression of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) [ 33 ]. VOR stabilizes retinal image, keeping the eye fixed in space and focused on the object [ 33 , 34 ].…”

“…An increase in correlation strength during closed eyes measurement may indicate the suppression of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) [ 33 ]. VOR stabilizes retinal image, keeping the eye fixed in space and focused on the object [ 33 , 34 ]. The information along the VOR pathway is processed by three sources: the visual system through the eyes, proprioceptive receptors, and vestibular receptors in the inner ear.…”

“…For the brain to perceive the activity of the vestibular system, it must receive information via the afferent pathway from different parts of the vestibular structure [ 35 ]. Closing eyes may decrease both VOR and masticatory muscle activity [ 33 ].…”

“…The hypothetical connection for the presented relationship may be as follows: instead of neurological connections, biomechanical connections in the form of a muscle-fascial network will be important [ 33 ]. The link between the organ of vision and the masticatory muscles occurs through the Tenon's fascia, connecting with the deep fascia of the skull, and through it, with the temporal subseries and the deep fascia of the neck [ 36 , 37 ].…”

“…People with nearsightedness are likely to have changed in the fascial network related to the reduced mobility of the eyeball-glasses limit the field of vision. Hypothetically, a longer knob also interferes with a fascial glide through decreased mobility [ 33 ]. All this can lead to fascial disorders called the densification of fascia [ 38 ].…”