stress vision

8 Surprising Ways Stress Can Affect Your Vision

Stress levels have been at all-time highs for so many people throughout the past year.  Job worries, money concerns, remote learning and more can cause anxiety levels to increase – and that’s not good for anyone.  Aside from the possible effects on your heart and blood vessels, muscles, intestines and nervous system, stress can also have an impact on your vision.

How Stress and Vision are Related

Did you know that your eyes and vision are an extension of your brain? There are six muscles connected to each eye, and they receive signals from the brain. These signals direct the eyes movements and, thus, control their ability to focus. When you are stressed, your brain goes through a number of changes and signals some of your body’s glands to release hormones in an attempt to deal with the stressor. With the brain undergoing all of these alterations, the eyes may become impacted as a result of their connection.

Possible Vision Effects

When you experience a stressful moment, adrenaline is pumped through the body at great speeds. This causes the pupils to dilate, which increases the amount of light that enters the eyes. If too much light enters during a moment of anxiety, or if you go through repeated stressful moments and light penetrates the eyes, the following can occur:

  • Light sensitivity
  • Eye aches and strain
  • Blurriness
  • Eye twitching
  • Eye floaters
  • Tunnel vision
  • Double vision
  • Very dry or very wet eyes

Most stress-related eye issues are minor and temporary.  If you find yourself experiencing any of the above issues, try the following:

 

Closing your eyes

Taking deep breaths and/or meditating

Finding a distraction to take your mind off what is bothering you

Exercising (such as walking or running)

Writing in a journal

 

Don’t Delay Treatment

Long-term stress or anxiety can actually cause serious strain on your eyes, so it is important to see us if these issues do not resolve themselves quickly.  A comprehensive vision exam can help us discover the true cause of the vision problems, as well as allow us to determine the best form of treatment.  Additionally, if stress-reduction therapies are necessary, we can work with your medical doctor or other healthcare providers to find the right overall solutions.

At Family Vision Development Center, we take a one-on-one approach to vision care that focuses on whole body wellness that extends beyond the eyes.  We are dedicated to providing safe, personalized care to members of the whole family in a welcoming environment.  Contact us at 630-862-2020 for all of your eye care needs.

 

Additional information can be referenced here

Share: