Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: annie123 on 07/08/2012 02:19:29

Title: Is this a cure for acrophobia?
Post by: annie123 on 07/08/2012 02:19:29

I am afraid of heights - get wobbly feelings in my legs when I look down over the edge of things etc. but the other day I tried an experiment. Knowing that one eye does not give depth perception I looked down from a height with one eye covered and found the wobbly feeling in my legs and head actually lessened and almost disappeared. When I used two eyes again the feeling came back almost instantly. Is the brain fooled that much in terms of the representation it gets of the height or is this illusory? Could height dizziness etc be cured by just wearing an eye patch?

Title: Re: Is this a cure for acrophobia?
Post by: evan_au on 07/08/2012 10:59:55

Even with vision in one eye, you get a sensation of depth every time you move your head. So your conscious brain definitely knew about the height - but perhaps the amygdala (fear center in your brain) missed the threat?

It seems that this trick gave you real relief - and so does the placebo effect.

By all means, if it makes you able to cope with a difficult situation, go for it!

But be aware that your vision is impaired, so don't wear an eyepatch in places with heavy traffic, uncertain footing, or no handrails!

Title: Re: Is this a cure for acrophobia?
Post by: annie123 on 18/08/2012 20:58:43

Thanks evan. But I thought the 'vision impairment' was lack of depth perception so this would validate the idea that the one eye would remove the fear response triggered by fear of seeing depth as in some baby experiments.I don't think it's placebo   although I suppose my going the logic route could suggest that.