Can stress cause eye problems?
We all know that stress can cause a whole host of health problems, but did you know that chronic stress can also affect your vision? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how stress can cause eye problems and what you can do to reduce the risk.
What exactly is stress?
Stress is the body’s response to any demand placed upon it — physical, emotional or both. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. When you feel threatened, your nervous system releases hormones that cause your body to have a “fight or flight response”. This stress response can be helpful in some situations, but when it’s constantly activated, it can take a toll on your health.
What stress does to the body as a whole
As we mentioned, when you experience stress, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. This means that a number of changes occur in order to help you deal with the stressful situation. In fact, when your body reacts to stress all of your internal organs are affected to some degree.
Your heart rate and breathing speed up, your blood pressure rises, and your muscles tense up. You might also notice that your vision becomes more focused and that you start sweating. All of these changes can have an impact on your eyesight.
All of these physical changes can also affect your eyesight. For example, if your heart rate increases, it can cause blurry vision. Muscles that are tensed can lead to headaches or migraines. And the increased sweating can cause irritation in the eye itself. In some cases, stress can even cause long-term damage to the eyesight.
How stress affects the eyes?
High stress levels can cause a number of stress related vision problems, including:
Dry eyes
When you’re stressed, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. This can interfere with tear production and lead to dry eyes.
Eye twitching
Stress can cause the muscles around your eyes to twitch or randomly spasm. Eye twitching is usually harmless, but it can be annoying.
Blurry vision
Stress can also cause the muscles in your eyes to tense up, which can lead to temporary blurry vision or partial vision loss.
Eye strain
Your eyes are working overtime during times of high stress and, as a result, they will feel strained and bruised. Eye strain can also lead to headaches and migraines.
Eye floaters
You know those tiny spots and wiggly lines you see when you move your eyes? Most people have these, but you will notice an increase in them when you’re feeling stressed.
Migraines
Stress can trigger migraines or make them worse. Migraines can cause a number of symptoms, including pain, nausea, vision loss and sensitivity to bright light.
Glaucoma
This is a condition that damages the optic nerve. It’s often caused by high blood pressure, which can be a side effect of long-term stress.
As you can see, stress affects your eyes and eye health in many ways, but, more specifically, how do high stress levels affect our vision?
Read on as we shed more light on exactly how your sight is affected when you feel stressed.
What is it about stress that causes vision issues?
There are a few different mechanisms by which stress can cause problems with your vision. One of the most important is through the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Cortisol – The stress hormone
Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” because it is released in response to stress. Cortisol can have a number of different effects on your body, one of which is to constrict blood vessels. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the eyes and can cause numerous vision problems.
Adrenaline – fight or flight
Adrenaline is another hormone that is released in response to stress. Adrenaline is part of the “fight or flight” response and can cause a number of changes in your body, including an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. These changes can also affect your vision; your pupils stay dilated when your body responds to stress in an attempt to get more light into the retina and enhance vision to see potential threats.
Oxygen and how it affects your eyes
One of the most important things for your eyes is a good supply of oxygen. Stress can lead to a reduction in the amount of oxygen that gets to your eyes, which can cause a number of problems, including inflammation, watery eyes and blurred vision.
Eye inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response by your body to injury, infection and even stress. However, chronic inflammation can be harmful and can lead to a number of problems, including eye problems. Stress-related inflammation can contribute to a number of different eye problems, including dry eyes and age-related macular degeneration.
Symptoms of stress-related vision problems
There are a number of different symptoms that can be associated with stress-related vision problems. These can include:
– headaches
– blurred vision
– dry eyes
– fatigue
– difficulty concentrating
– tunnel vision
These are just some of the most common symptoms, but it’s important to remember that everyone experiences stress differently and so not everyone will experience the same symptoms. If you’re concerned about your vision, it’s always advisable to speak to an optician or doctor.
Measures you can take to reduce the risk of stress-related eye problems
If you’re suffering from stress-related eye issues, there are a few things you can do to reduce the symptoms. First, try to get some rest and relaxation. This can be difficult if you’re constantly under stress, but it’s important to take some time for yourself. Second, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Stress can cause insomnia, so it’s important to get enough rest. Third, eat a healthy diet. This will help to reduce the inflammation in your body and improve your overall health. Finally, try to avoid anything that can cause eye strain. This includes staring at a computer screen or smartphone for long periods of time or reading in low light.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce the amount of emotional stress in your life, too. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, as is spending time with friends and family. You can also try relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. If you’re having trouble managing your stress on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help or consider talk therapy.
Belson Opticians can help you manage your stress-related eye problems
If you’re suffering from stress-related eye problems, it’s important to see an optician or eye doctor. They can help to diagnose vision problems and offer advice on treatment options. Belson Opticians have been operating since 1955 and have a wealth of experience in treating eye conditions. We have branches across London and Essex, so you’re sure to find one that’s convenient for you.
Remember, if you’re suffering from any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned, it’s important to see an optician or eye doctor. They can help to diagnose the problem and offer advice on treatment options. Belson Opticians have a wealth of experience in treating eye conditions and can help you to get your vision back on track.