LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Most people think vision is simply about seeing clearly – reading a sign, spotting a face, or checking a prescription label. But what if the real truth is that vision is about brain function? And what if symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, motion sensitivity, ADHD-like behaviors, poor coordination, headaches, or even fear of driving, actually originate from the way your brain processes visual information?
In today’s episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I talk with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a neuro-optometrist, founder and CEO of My Vision First, and an authority on functional vision. Dr. Appelbaum specializes in diagnosing and treating vision problems that affect people of all ages, from children struggling with learning to adults navigating concussions, screen fatigue, vertigo, visual overwhelm, and chronic symptoms often dismissed as “in your head.”
Dr. Appelbaum explains why 20/20 eyesight does not equal perfect vision, how hidden visual processing issues can mimic common medical and psychological diagnoses, and why retraining the eye–brain connection can be life-changing at any age.
If you’ve ever battled reading difficulties, persistent headaches, dizziness, screen intolerance, anxiety in visually busy environments, or unexplained fatigue, this episode will help you finally understand what’s going on and what you can do to heal.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Vision is about brain function, not just eyesight: Vision is a complex brain-driven process involving focus, depth perception, spatial awareness, emotional regulation, and how our eyes coordinate and track. You can have “perfect” 20/20 eyesight yet still experience major visual processing issues that affect learning, attention, movement, and confidence.
- Functional vision problems can mimic ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, or clumsiness: Difficulty reading, letter reversals, poor handwriting, focusing challenges, motion sensitivity, or behavioral issues may actually reflect an eye–brain coordination problem. Many children – and adults – are misdiagnosed because standard eye exams only measure clarity, not function.
- Vision therapy can rewire the brain and resolve symptoms at any age: Vision therapy is like physical therapy for the brain through the eyes. With targeted, evidence-based exercises, it can strengthen eye coordination, focus, tracking, depth perception, and neural pathways. This helps treat issues related to concussions, dizziness, vertigo, visual intolerance, anxiety in busy environments, driving fears, and more.
- Screens are reshaping our visual system – and not in a good way: The average adult now spends 7+ hours a day on screens, while many children spend 6+ hours. This strains the visual system, narrows peripheral awareness, reduces blinking, disrupts circadian rhythms, and alters how our brains process information. Dr. Appelbaum shares simple habits – including the 20-20-20 rule and blinking breaks – to prevent visual stress.
- Simple daily exercises can improve focus, flexibility, and visual comfort: Activities like “eye push-ups,” peripheral awareness training, and eye stretches help strengthen the eye–brain connection and reduce headaches, eye strain, and reading fatigue. These exercises are accessible at any age and can delay or reduce the need for reading glasses.
- Floaters, headaches, and visual overwhelm may be vision-related – and treatable: Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, panic while driving, difficulty with stairs, or overwhelm in grocery stores and crowded environments often have a visual processing root cause. Dr. Appelbaum explains how addressing these issues through functional vision care can restore clarity, comfort, and confidence.
Freebies
- Take the free online vision assessment
- Try a free eye-strengthening exercise from ScreenFit
- Download your free Vision Guide
Guest Resources/Connect with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum
- Learn more about MyVisionFirst
- Learn more about ScreenFit (digital eye strain relief) – Get $200 off ScreenFit with code WENTZ
- Get 10% off digital performance lenses & more using code WENTZ in the MVF Shop
- Follow Dr. Appelbaum on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok
Supplements We Discussed
- Omega-3s – Fatty acids that support eye lubrication and brain function. Consider Pure Encapsulation EPA/DHA Essentials or OmegAvail™ Synergy by Designs for Health.
- Glutathione – An antioxidant that promotes detoxification and reduces neuroinflammation.
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Key antioxidants for retina and macula health.
- Vitamins A, C, and E – important nutrients that help protect the eyes from oxidative stress. Consider NOW Sun-E 400, which is soy-free, for vitamin E.
Other Tools and Resources
- FL-41 glasses – For filtering disruptive blue light and calming visual overstimulation.
- Visual snow syndrome support protocols – Including dietary changes and vision therapy.
- Virtual reality vision therapy systems – Used in Dr. Appelbaum’s clinic.
- Functional neurology lens and prism tools – To train eye-brain pathways.
- Vision therapy exercises – Like eye stretches, near-far focus drills, and peripheral pointing.
- Carotenoid-rich foods – Like leafy greens, for long-term eye support.
Books and Articles About Vision and Brain Health
- IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Dr. Izabella Wentz. Thyroid issues can come with a wealth of symptoms, from eye problems (primarily in Graves’ disease) to brain fog, joint pain, and so much more. Addressing gut health can be key to resolving many of these symptoms. This comprehensive guide dives deep into how irritable bowel syndrome is often a catch-all diagnosis that overlooks treatable root causes. It offers a step-by-step approach to help readers understand what’s really driving gut symptoms, and how to create a personalized plan to restore gut health and overall wellness. The book is available for preorder now and will be released on March 17th, 2026!
- The Ghost in My Brain by Clark Elliott – Memoir about recovering from a brain injury with vision therapy
- Fixing My Gaze by Susan R. Barry – A neuroscientist’s story of gaining 3D vision in adulthood
- How Vitamin E Impacts Your Thyroid
- The Benefits of Amino Acids for Hashimoto’s
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
- Follow me on Instagram: @izabellawentzpharmd
- Get my FREE weekly thyroid & gut health newsletter: Sign up here
- Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate it on Spotify!
Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🙂
About Our Host
Dr. Izabella Wentz
Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms.
Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and Adrenal Transformation Protocol. Her latest book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, will be released on March 17, 2026, and is available for pre-order here.
Thyroid Pharmacist Blog
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Rootcology
About Our Guest
Dr. Bryce Appelbaum is a neuro-optometrist, soon-to-be TEDx speaker, founder, and CEO of MyVisionFirst, a private practice specializing in diagnosing and treating vision problems for all ages. Dr. Bryce has become the trusted authority for functional vision. Dr. Appelbaum exposes how we can take action to ensure our eyes and brains work harmoniously in a world where we are glued to our screens.
Through Vision Performance Training, the ScreenFit virtual vision training program, and Neuro-Optometric rehab services, Dr. Appelbaum has supported thousands of patients to optimize their vision, improve brain functioning, heal post-concussion syndrome, and engage with life through a fresh lens.
Dr. Appelbaum knows that 20/20 eyesight does not mean perfect vision, and recognizes that while humans are not meant to stare at screens all day, we can train our eyes and brains to have the appropriate foundation to thrive in this digital world.
Leave a Reply