KEEP CALM, DON’T STRESS!

When we think of stress, our minds immediately go to the negative effects, and it is difficult to imagine that stress could have positive effects. A moderate amount of stress is not only helpful, it is also necessary. Healthy manageable stress motivates us, increases alertness, boosts performance and builds resilience and confidence. It has been reported to improve memory and help build relationships. However, when stress becomes chronic and turns into anxiety and panic, it often manifests physically and can have harmful ramifications on our health and physical well-being. The eyes, too, can pay the price.

What are the Symptoms of Stress-Related Vision problems?

Vision symptoms caused by stress may be experienced in many different ways. Common symptoms include blurred vision, double vision, narrowed or tunnel vision, visual distortions, sore eye muscles, sensitivity to light, eye twitching, increase in floaters, reduced blink rate, very wet or dry eyes and eye strain.

The symptoms are generally temporary and tend to come and go, although they may occur constantly. They may affect only one eye or both eyes, and sometimes shift back and forth between the eyes. They typically increase in response to stress and often precede anxiety or stress-related incidents. These symptoms are generally irritating rather than debilitating. However, if they become very uncomfortable or persist over an extended period of time, it is advisable to see an optometrist.

How does Stress cause Vision Problems?

Stress can be both a cause and a consequence of vision problems. The fear of having a problem with our eyes or vision is very real for many people. Vision loss leads to anxiety and stress which in turn may result in more vision problems.

When we are anxious, frightened or stressed, the body reacts by activating the “fight or flight” response and releasing adrenaline. One effect is to cause the pupils to dilate in an attempt to allow more light into the eyes so that potential threats can be easily detected. Constant, severe stress levels and subsequent release of adrenaline lead to consistent dilated pupils and extreme light sensitivity and eye strain.

Chronic stress causes elevated levels of adrenaline to remain in the body, which can cause pressure to build up in the back of the eye.

With ongoing stress, the body gradually releases the powerful hormone cortisol, known as the “stress hormone”, which is responsible for the increase in heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and muscle tension. Increased levels of cortisol can disrupt the blood flow between the eyes and the brain, reducing the amount of blood and essential nutrients being carried to the retina. When we are very tense, as many stressed people are, the muscles in and around the eyes can tighten, causing twitching and soreness.

Consistent elevated stress levels often trigger or exacerbate symptoms in people with autoimmune or inflammatory disorders like psoriasis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Can Depression Affect Vision?

Depression can literally make the world seem grey, due to reduced contrast sensitivity which makes colours appear paler and less vivid. It can cause the symptoms of existing eye problems such as glaucoma and macular degeneration to become more intense. Research has found that there is a link between depression and inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis and conjunctivitis. A cycle of vision problems and depression can be created as concerns about vision loss contribute to anxiety which in turn exacerbates the vision problem.

As well as the depression itself, certain antidepression medications can contribute to some vision conditions. While visual side effects do not occur with all antidepressants and not all people are affected by them, they may include blurred vision, reduced vision, floaters, night blindness, light sensitivity, double vision, tunnel vision and worsening of the symptoms of dry eye disease.

What can we Do?

It seems obvious that reducing stress will reduce vision problems associated with stress but breaking the cycle of stress and anxiety is easier said than done. Thinking about the vision symptoms as warning signs that the stress response is harmful to the body may be the first step towards deactivating it. Each individual knows best what helps to calm them, but certain lifestyle factors may be effective for most people.

A healthy balanced diet, exercise and getting enough sleep are powerful de-stressors. Take a few minutes out of a busy schedule to take deep breaths and consciously relax. Stress reduction activities such as yoga, meditation, listening to music or taking a walk may be helpful. If you have a chronic medical condition or vision problem that is causing anxiety, visit your doctor or optometrist regularly so that the condition can be managed and monitored for any changes. Knowing that it is under control will help to minimise the stress.

If the vision symptoms persist or worsen or do not decrease with lower levels of stress, the cause may not be purely stress-related. Visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination to ascertain what the underlying problem may be.