Ocular Osteopathy: Worth a Second Look

Osteopathic medicine is defined by the four tenets that the human body is a dynamic unit of function, the body possesses selfregulatory mechanisms that are self-healing in nature, structure and function are intimately related at all levels, and rational treatment is based on these principles. Is the eye any exception? When discussing somatic dysfunctions and musculoskeletal complaints, the eye is typically not the first thought that comes to mind. However, there are several mentions throughout osteopathic literature of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) being utilized for ocular disturbances. This article will discuss 6 specific disorders and compare current therapies with OMT as described by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO.