Can Stress Affect Your Vision? Here’s What Your Optometrist Wants You to Know
We all experience a bit of stress in our busy lives. It comes from so many different places—our jobs, our families, and the everyday challenges we face. It is a feeling that can just take over your body. But have you ever stopped to consider that stress might actually be affecting your eyesight?
Your Body’s Stress Response Affects Your Eyes
When you feel stressed out, your body’s “fight or flight” mode kicks in. It releases adrenaline and other hormones into your system to prepare you for action. These powerful chemicals can cause various changes in your vision. You might find that your eyes feel very different when you are under pressure.
Common Vision Issues Linked to Stress
Stress can create several noticeable vision problems that you should be aware of:
Your vision might become blurry or unfocused.
Your eyes may feel dry and irritated.
You could experience more headaches than usual.
You might notice increased sensitivity to light.
These symptoms often come and go with your stress levels. They typically improve when you feel more relaxed, as your body calms down. Knowing these signs is the first step to feeling better.
Stress Can Worsen Dry Eye Problems
Stress can affect your body’s ability to produce tears normally. This can easily lead to eyes that feel very dry and uncomfortable. You might even feel like there’s sand in your eyes. They may look red and feel tired all the time. Screen use makes this even worse for many people, especially when they are already feeling overwhelmed.
The Connection Between Stress and Eye Pressure
Stress doesn’t directly cause glaucoma, but it can increase certain risk factors. It can cause the pressure inside your eyes to increase temporarily. Over time, this might contribute to more serious conditions. If you have a family history of eye issues, you should be especially careful and always talk to your doctor.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Eyes From Stress
The good news is that you can take steps to minimize stress-related eye issues, such as:
Practice deep breathing when you feel overwhelmed.
Take breaks regularly from your computer and phone.
Get enough sleep each night to help your eyes recover.
Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods for eye health.
Use a cold compress on your eyes to soothe them.
Keep your home clean to reduce irritants.
Remember to Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
This is a great, simple habit that everyone should try to follow. Every twenty minutes, look away from your screen. Focus on something that is at least twenty feet away for a full twenty seconds.
Don’t Hesitate to See Your Eye Doctor
If stress is affecting your vision, know that professional help is always available. Your optometrist can check your eyes for any underlying issues that might be happening. They can also suggest different treatments to help your eyes feel more comfortable.
Your Eyes Deserve Care and Attention
Stress does not have to control your vision health in life. Small daily habits can actually make a very big difference. Be kind to your eyes during those more stressful times. They work so hard for you every single day. Good vision can help you handle stressful situations more effectively, too.
For more on how stress can affect your vision, visit Eyes on the City. Our office is in Seattle, Washington. Call (206) 588-2814 to book an appointment today.
https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/stress-blindness
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/anxiety-stress-dry-eye-glaucoma-iop
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