Stress is often linked to headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension, but can it also affect your eyesight? Many people experiencing stress or anxiety report visual disturbances, including blurry vision, eye strain, and high eye pressure. While occasional stress is a normal part of life, chronic stress can have lasting effects on eye health and overall well-being.
At Vision Clinic Sydney, we recognise that vision changes can be concerning, especially when linked to stress and anxiety. This article explores the connection between stress and vision problems, common stress eye symptoms, and when to seek professional help.
How Stress Affects Eye Health
Can stress affect eyesight? Yes it can. When the body undergoes stress, it activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the fight-or-flight response. This leads to increased heart rate, muscle tension, and changes in blood circulation, all of which can impact the eyes in several ways.
1. Stress and Eye Pressure
One of the key concerns related to stress and eye health is its potential effect on intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Can stress cause high eye pressure? While stress alone is not a direct cause of glaucoma, studies suggest that chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can contribute to fluctuations in eye pressure.
- Individuals with glaucoma or ocular hypertension may be more vulnerable to IOP spikes during high-stress periods.
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques may be beneficial for those monitoring eye pressure levels.
2. Stress and Dry Eyes
Mental stress can affect tear production, leading to dry, irritated eyes. When the body is under stress, tear gland function may become disrupted, reducing the production of natural lubrication.
- Symptoms may include burning, redness, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.
- Increased screen time during stressful periods can worsen digital eye strain and contribute to dry eye syndrome.
- Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help relieve discomfort, but persistent symptoms should be assessed by an eye specialist.
3. Eye Strain and Fatigue
Prolonged stress often results in eye strain and fatigue, particularly for individuals who spend long hours working on digital screens. This can cause:
- Difficulty focusing and increased sensitivity to light.
- Tension headaches and discomfort around the eyes.
- Eye muscle fatigue, making it harder to shift focus between near and distant objects.
Taking regular breaks, adjusting screen brightness, and practicing good posture can help minimise eye strain-related symptoms.
4. Stress and eye twitching
One of the most common stress-related eye symptoms is eyelid twitching, also known as myokymia. This involuntary spasm of the upper or lower eyelid is typically harmless but can become persistent and bothersome during periods of high stress.
Common triggers include:
- Increased stress and anxiety levels
- Fatigue and lack of sleep
- Excessive caffeine intake
- Prolonged screen exposure
While eye twitching usually resolves on its own, reducing stress through relaxation techniques, better sleep habits, and limiting caffeine intake can help prevent frequent episodes. If the twitching becomes persistent, spreads to other facial muscles, or is accompanied by other vision disturbances, an eye exam is recommended.
Ways to Reduce Eye Strain
If stress is impacting your vision, taking proactive steps can help relieve symptoms.
Tips to Reduce Stress-Related Eye Symptoms:
- Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Blink more frequently: This can help prevent dry eyes caused by reduced tear production.
- Use artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops can relieve dryness and irritation.
- Manage stress levels: Techniques like meditation, exercise, and deep breathing can improve overall well-being.
- Maintain good posture: Avoid leaning too close to screens, which can worsen eye strain.
If symptoms persist, a professional eye examination can rule out more serious conditions and an eye specialist can provide tailored treatment recommendations.
When to See an Eye Specialist
While stress-related vision problems often resolve once stress levels decrease, persistent symptoms should not be ignored. You should seek an eye exam if you experience:
- Chronic blurry vision or difficulty focusing.
- Frequent headaches or eye pain.
- Pressure in the eyes or sudden vision changes.
- Persistent dry eyes despite using lubricating drops.
At Vision Clinic Sydney, we use advanced diagnostic technology to assess eye health and provide expert guidance on managing stress-related eye conditions. Schedule an eye exam today.
How To Book an Assessment
To request an appointment or if you have an enquiry, please contact us via the following ways:
Call or message us: +6129 222 9188
Email us: reception@visionclinicsydney.com.au
Book online via our website.
FAQs
Can stress affect eyesight permanently?
While most visual symptoms related to stress, such as blurred vision or eye strain, are temporary, prolonged stress may contribute to eye issues over time. Chronic stress can lead to increased eye pressure, which may affect the optic nerve. Regular eye exams can help monitor changes and prevent potential vision loss.
Can stress cause high eye pressure and increase glaucoma risk?
Can stress cause high eye pressure? While stress itself does not directly cause glaucoma, it can lead to temporary increases in intraocular pressure (IOP). If left unmanaged, chronic stress may contribute to worsening eye conditions, potentially leading to optic nerve damage. People with existing glaucoma or ocular hypertension should take steps to relieve stress and monitor their eye pressure regularly.
How can I relieve stress-related eye symptoms?
- Take breaks from screens to reduce blurred vision and eye strain.
- Blink more frequently to prevent dry eyes and discomfort.
- Use artificial tears if experiencing eye floaters or dryness.
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to relieve stress and support overall eye health.
Can stress cause eye floaters or other visual symptoms?
Eye floaters, which appear as small spots or threads in your vision, can become more noticeable when stressed. While they are usually harmless, a sudden increase in eye floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your peripheral vision could indicate a more serious issue. If these visual symptoms persist, an eye exam is recommended to rule out retinal problems.
Should I see an eye doctor if my vision changes due to stress?
If you experience persistent blurred vision, eye floaters, or pressure in the eyes, it’s important to consult an eye specialist. Stress-related vision issues are usually temporary, but an eye exam can rule out any underlying conditions, such as optic nerve damage or early signs of vision loss. Vision Clinic Sydney offers comprehensive assessments to determine the cause of vision changes and recommend appropriate treatments.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
