Stressed Out? Here’s How Stress Can Affect Your Eye Health

Stress is an inevitable part of life that affects all of us to some degree. Whether it's due to work, relationships, or financial worries, stress can significantly impact our physical and mental well-being. One area where stress can have a particularly noticeable effect is our eye health. In this article, we'll explore how stress can affect your eye health and what you can do to protect your eyes.

1. Eye Strain

One of the most common effects of stress on eye health is eye strain. When you're stressed, your body tends to tense up, which can cause your eye muscles to constrict. This can result in eye strain, which is characterised by symptoms such as eye fatigue, headaches, and difficulty focusing.

To reduce eye strain, it's important to take frequent breaks from activities that require intense visual concentration, such as computer work or reading. The 20-20-20 rule can be helpful: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help relax your eye muscles and prevent eye strain.

2. Dry Eyes

Stress can also cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can reduce the production of tears. This can lead to dry eyes, which are characterized by symptoms such as burning, itching, and redness.

To prevent dry eyes, it's essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can also use artificial tears or eye drops to lubricate your eyes and reduce discomfort.

3. Glaucoma

Studies have shown that stress can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. One theory is that stress can increase intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve.

To reduce your risk of developing glaucoma, it's important to manage your stress levels through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or exercise. Regular eye exams can also help detect glaucoma early and prevent further damage to your vision.

4. Age-related Macular Degeneration

Stress may also play a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects the central part of the retina and can cause blurred or distorted vision. Some studies have found a link between stress and the development of AMD, although more research is needed to confirm this association.

To protect your eyes from AMD, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. Regular eye exams can also help detect AMD early and prevent vision loss.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stress can have a significant impact on your eye health, from causing eye strain and dry eyes to increasing the risk of glaucoma and AMD. By taking steps to manage your stress levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can protect your eyes and maintain good vision for years to come. Remember to take frequent breaks from intense visual activities, stay hydrated, and get regular eye exams to catch any issues early.

With Vision Direct Club, we have highly skilled mobile optometrists that can provide comprehensive eye examinations at your preferred location! In addition, you can find your prescription glasses, contact lenses, and lens solution through the mobile eye clinic. 

You can learn more about contact lenses through our telehealth services. 

If you are interested in booking your tele-optometry consultation, we are offering complimentary tele-optometry services for the first 20 bookings with our promo code: [ONECALLAWAY]  

We make getting your eye care solutions simple; your prescription will be available in your account after the visit with the mobile optometrists through the mobile eye clinic.