Eye strain from stress: anxiety and stress affect your vision

Stress-induced eye strain is a phenomenon that can significantly impact eye health. Everyday anxiety and stress can trigger a series of reactions in the eyes and negatively affect vision.

In this article you will learn how these psychological stresses influence eye health. Here we detail everything from common symptoms to more specific complications.

What is stress and anxiety? Learn how they affect your eyesight

Anxiety and stress are natural responses of the body to situations perceived as threatening or challenging. Anxiety manifests itself through intense worry and anticipatory fear about future situations. Sometimes this emotional response arises even without an immediate threat.

In contrast, stress is a reaction to pressure , whether external (such as at work) or internal (such as personal expectations). Anxiety focuses more on the emotional aspect. Stress, on the other hand, is more closely linked to perceived pressure. Recognizing these differences helps in addressing coping strategies.

Both responses involve activation of the nervous system , releasing hormones such as cortisol. Their causes are diverse and include work pressures, financial concerns, traumatic events or significant life changes. Genetic and biological factors are also considered influential.

Individual interpretation of events and coping skills play a crucial role. It is important to manage these responses in a healthy way, as their persistence is linked to negative effects on physical and mental health.

One of the possible symptoms of long-term stress is increased intraocular pressure. It is believed that this could affect ocular blood circulation and cause problems such as dry eyes. On the other hand, anxiety could contribute to eye fatigue and create the impression of blurred vision.

Stress-induced eye strain: how to treat it and what are its symptoms?

Eye strain refers to the pressure exerted inside the eye , known as intraocular pressure. This pressure is essential for maintaining the shape and structure of the eye. However, it is prone to cause problems when it reaches abnormally high levels.

Eye pressure is a major risk factor for developing glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss. Monitoring and controlling intraocular pressure is crucial to preventing complications.

Additionally, eye strain is also popularly used to describe the feeling of fatigue or discomfort in the eyes , often related to visual stress and prolonged exposure to screens.

The following symptoms and treatments are key to addressing eye strain and maintaining optimal health.

Symptoms of eye strain:

• Blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
• Sensation of pressure or burning in the eyes.
• Frequent headaches, especially in the forehead.
• Persistent dry eyes.

Treatments:

•  Visual rest: take short breaks during intensive visual activities.
•  Eye exercises: gentle movements to relax the eye muscles.
• Relaxation techniques: practices such as meditation, to reduce general stress.
•  Use of artificial tears: to combat dry eyes.
•  Ergonomic adjustment: Modify the layout of your workspace to reduce eye strain.

Understanding specific symptoms and employing appropriate prevention strategies is essential to mitigating stress-related eye strain. Combining eye care and stress management techniques offers significant relief , improving vision quality and reducing negative impacts on eye health.

Eye problems caused by stress and anxiety

Before we dive into the specifics of eye problems associated with stress and anxiety, it’s important to understand the breadth of their impact. From conditions like blepharitis to eye fatigue, these issues are indicators of the close relationship between mental and eye health .

Stress blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margin caused by chronic stress. Symptoms include:

• Itching.
• Burning.
• Gritty feeling.
• Redness.
• Blurred vision.

Stress is also associated with skin conditions such as rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis , which may aggravate blepharitis. Additionally, stress is linked to dry eyes, which worsens blepharitis symptoms.

The connection between stress and blepharitis is manifested through the immune system's response to emotional stress. Both physical and psychological aspects need to be addressed in the treatment of blepharitis.

Red eyes due to stress

The eyes are very sensitive organs. Therefore, stress and anxiety sometimes easily affect the quality of vision. Among the ailments caused or worsened by such physiological responses is the condition of red eyes.

Red eye condition occurs due to dilation of blood vessels on the surface of the eye . Symptoms include:

• Redness.
• Swelling.
• Dryness.

To alleviate these symptoms, it is necessary to address both the underlying causes and effectively manage anxiety. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga are recommended, as well as eye stretching exercises, dietary and lifestyle adjustments, and the use of eye drops. If symptoms persist, it is important to consult a doctor.

Eye fatigue or asthenopia due to stress and anxiety

When we are stressed or anxious we tend to strain our eyes. Doing this can lead to eye fatigue, also known as asthenopia. Common symptoms include:

• Headache.
• Blurred vision.
• Dry eyes.
• Sensitivity to light.

It's important to take regular breaks when working in front of a screen . Blink frequently to moisten your eyes and adjust the lighting to reduce glare.

Distorted vision or metamorphopsia due to stress

Metamorphopsia is a perceptual disorder that distorts vision, making objects appear deformed or of unusual size . This visual distortion can be caused by problems in the macula, a central region of the retina.

Stress can worsen this condition by causing fluid to leak into the macula, resulting in central serous maculopathy. This condition causes blurred or distorted vision and loss of visual acuity. In severe cases, sudden vision loss occurs.

Metamorphopsia sometimes causes anxiety and tension, although it is not dangerous in itself. However, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical or psychological problem . Stress management, combined with regular eye examinations, is essential to preserve and minimize the adverse effects of stress-related metamorphopsia.

Eye tics due to stress

Eye tics are involuntary, repetitive contractions of the muscles around the eye . Although there are various causes, stress is a common trigger.

When we are stressed, our body releases hormones such as adrenaline, which cause tics. These tics manifest as excessive blinking, eye closure, or rapid eye movements.

Although they are annoying, they are usually harmless and temporary. However, it is advisable to consult a health professional if the tics persist or become severe.

Blurry vision due to anxiety

Blurred vision refers to the loss of visual acuity. As a result, objects appear out of focus and fuzzy . This is a common symptom of a variety of eye defects or diseases, as well as other conditions unrelated to vision.

The main causes of blurred vision are refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Anxiety is also associated with blurred vision. When we experience anxiety, our body goes into “fight or flight” mode, releasing adrenaline. This can cause the pupils to dilate in order to allow light into the eyes and improve vision. However, this is also likely to cause blurred vision.

Anxiety can also lead to dry eyes, which can lead to blurred vision. It is important to remember that these symptoms are usually temporary and disappear when the anxiety subsides.

Styes due to stress

Styes are small red bumps that appear on the edge of the eyelid, caused by a bacterial infection in the sebaceous glands. Although they are usually They are associated with poor hygiene, they can also be a manifestation of stress .

Stress weakens the immune system. This makes it easier for bacteria to proliferate and can lead to the formation of styes. In addition, some people rub their eyes frequently when they are stressed. This habit could introduce bacteria into the eyelid.

How to avoid these eye problems?| Recommendations

To prevent eye problems related to stress and anxiety, it is necessary to adopt eye care habits and strategies to reduce daily anguish . In addition to taking regular eye breaks, practicing relaxation techniques and maintaining proper hygiene, other recommendations include:

• Exercise : Going to the gym or playing sports offers various benefits to our body. Strengthening the immune system, the production of hormones such as dopamine, endorphin or serotonin and the resulting reduction in stress are just some of them.
• Maintain a healthy diet: In particular, a diet rich in Omega-3 and antioxidants, nutrients known for their contributions to visual health.
• Quitting smoking : Constant smoking carries various health risks, such as eye problems associated with major diabetes and a significant increase in symptoms of stress and anxiety in the long term. If you smoke frequently, quitting smoking is essential to prevent eye diseases.
• Visit the ophthalmologist once a year : receiving an examination from a professional is essential to detect and treat eye abnormalities before they become serious.

Additionally, wearing computer glasses or blue light glasses also offers benefits . These glasses filter out the light that causes eye fatigue. Incorporating self-care routines, maintaining a work-rest balance, and seeking emotional support are additional steps to prevent and mitigate eye problems associated with stress.

Computer glasses or blue light glasses: The ideal glasses to help you with various eye problems

Computer glasses or blue light glasses They are effective allies in combating eye problems related to stress and prolonged exposure to screens . These glasses are designed to filter the blue light emitted by electronic devices, thus reducing eye fatigue and the risk of associated eye disorders.

By integrating prescription glasses into your routine, you have the option to customize vision correction to your specific needs. Prescription glasses are crucial for correcting vision defects . They allow healthcare professionals to identify problems and provide the appropriate optical correction.

At Bassol Optics we offer excellent alternatives for prescription glasses. Find more models like these in our catalogue Hugo Boss BOSS 1312 and Philipp Plein VPP101 . Our collection includes anti-reflective and UV-protected models. Find the perfect solution for your eyes at Bassol Optics.

Do you have any vision problems? Get the best options in prescription glasses at Óptica Bassol or schedule your appointment with the best specialists!

At Bassol Optics we value visual health the most and that is why we provide specialized care for those who experience eye problems due to stress and anxiety. Book your consultation through our online form or visit any of our branches .

We ship worldwide. And if you are in the peninsula, we have great news: shipping is free! In addition, we offer you a period of up to 14 days from delivery to make your order. changes or returns . At Óptica Bassol, your satisfaction is our main priority. We appreciate your trust in us.