Can Stress Affect Your Vision?

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an almost constant companion for many of us. From demanding work schedules to personal responsibilities, it’s no wonder that stress can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. But did you know that stress can impact your vision, too? 

When we’re stressed, we are usually under pressure, and this pressure can take a toll on our whole body, including our eyes. Pressure built up inside of our eyes related to stress can increase the risk of glaucoma and optic nerve damage. It’s important to book regular eye exams to work with professionals to create healthy habits to preserve your vision and overall health.

Understanding Stress & Its Effects

Stress is a natural response that our bodies activate in response to challenging situations. Whether it’s a looming deadline, a difficult conversation, or financial worries, stress can trigger a cascade of hormonal and physiological changes designed to prepare us for action. While this “fight or flight” response can be helpful in some scenarios, prolonged or chronic stress can have negative implications for various aspects of our health, including our eyesight.

The Stress-Eye Connection

Research suggests that stress can indeed affect your vision, primarily through its impact on the following aspects:

• Visual Acuity: Stress can cause temporary changes in how we perceive the world around us. People under stress might experience fluctuations in visual acuity, making it harder to focus on objects or read text, resulting in eyestrain, headaches, and discomfort.
• Eye Dryness: Stress can disrupt the balance of tear production and evaporation, leading to dry and irritated eyes. Blink rate may decrease when we’re stressed, leaving the eyes feeling gritty and uncomfortable.
• Eye Twitching: Stress can trigger involuntary muscle contraction. Eye twitching can be an annoying side effect of stress, causing repetitive and rhythmic movements that can last for a long while.
• Eye Pressure: Chronic stress may impact the intraocular pressure within the eyes. Elevated eye pressure is a risk factor for conditions like glaucoma, where increased pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
• Migraines & Visual Disturbances: Stress is a common trigger for migraines, which can sometimes manifest with visual disturbances such as auras. These auras can involve seeing flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or temporary blindspots, affecting your vision during the migraine episode.

It’s important to note that while stress can contribute to these eye issues, other factors can also be to blame. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, consult an eye care professional for a proper evaluation and guidance on managing your eye health.

Managing Stress for Better Vision

Considering the potential impact of stress on vision, it’s vital to adopt effective stress management techniques to help safeguard your visual health.

• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.
• Get Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep, as sleep plays a crucial role in stress reduction and may also help improve your eye health. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water to help maintain proper tear production and prevent dry eyes.
• Take Regular Breaks: If you spend long hours in front of a screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something at least 20 feet away.
• Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and foster social connections to help reduce stress levels.

Promoting Healthy Vision at Total Vision

Stress can manifest in a range of eye-related symptoms, from the annoyance of dry, irritated eyes to the unsettling experience of visual disturbances. It can impact visual acuity, trigger muscle spasms, and even contribute to more serious conditions like elevated eye pressure. 

Practicing stress management is not just a favor to our mental state—it can benefit our eyes too. Engaging in relaxation exercises, ensuring proper sleep, staying hydrated, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and booking in for regular eye exams can contribute to maintaining vision health, even in the face of stress. 

If you’re wondering if stress is affecting your vision, or are due for your next eye exam, give us a call or book an appointment online with the team at Ladera Ranch Optometry.