How Stress Affects Your Eyes

Stress impacts us mentally and physically, but did you know it can also affect our vision?

Stress is a common response to demands of daily life and is a normal part of everyday life, but when it becomes excessive or chronic, it can lead to some serious health issues and our eyes are certainly no exception.

When we are severely stressed and anxious, high levels of adrenaline in the body can cause pressure on the eyes, resulting in blurred vision. People with long-term anxiety can suffer from eye strain throughout the day on a regular basis. 

Anxiety causes the body to become highly sensitised to any slight movement. Over time the strain from other senses can cause muscular tensions and headaches.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS-RELATED VISION IMPAIRMENT:

• Sensitivity to light and movement; light may hurt your eyes or make it difficult for you to concentrate and focus.
• Eye twitching; eyes can randomly spasm, with no pain but discomfort.
• Very dry or very wet eyes; both can be a symptom, however, it can also be caused by other issues.
• Blurry vision; finding it hard to concentrate, or focus. 
• Eye strain; discomfort or minor pain as a result of your eyes feeling tight and swollen.
• Eye floaters; tiny spots that swim across your vision.

If you have any of these symptoms with no other medical issues, the best option for you is to book an appointment with your optometrist to rule out any eye health issues. 

You can also introduce ways to reduce your daily stress. Making small lifestyle changes like getting enough rest, eating healthily, using meditating, or by doing any stress relief exercises should help you to relax.  Taking at least a few minutes to consciously relax will help your body calm down. 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with other medical issues, you should see your doctor to make sure it isn’t anything more serious. 

Most stress-caused eye issues are temporary, but make sure to see your optometrist if you have any eye concerns, especially any symptoms listed above. The sooner an issue is diagnosed, the sooner any eye concerns can be corrected. 

For more information on how to look after your eyes, get in touch with us at Whitby & Co, leading independent opticians and optometrists. 

To make an appointment, you can book online here, call us on +44 207 353 4455 or email us at  info@whitbyonline.com.