Understanding the Impact of Stress on Eye Health and How to Manage it

2023-11-02 11:00:00

Fatima Khalil wrote Thursday, November 02, 2023 01:00 PM

Stress has become a part of our daily lives, and the impact of stress and anxiety is not limited to it and depression On mental health only; Rather, its impact can extend to different aspects of our health, including something as basic as vision, and the relationship between mental health and vision is a complex relationship, as each can affect and be affected by the other, according to the “Times of India” website.

Mental health problems can appear throughout the body, including the eyes. When stress affects the mind, it can lead to physical changes in the body, affecting blood flow, muscle tone, and even the functioning of the eyes.

How does stress affect your eye health?

Dry eyes

Stress can lead to decreased tear production, causing dry and irritated eyes. The relationship between stress and dry eyes is thought to be mediated by the autonomic nervous system, which controls tear production. Increased pressure can disrupt the balance of this system, leading to insufficient tear production and discomfort.

Blurry vision

Muscle tension caused by stress can lead to changes in the way the eyes focus. This can lead to temporary blurry vision and difficulty maintaining clear vision, especially during periods of high stress.

Eye twitching

Annoying and prolonged eye twitches that seem to appear out of nowhere can also be linked to stress. Stress triggers nerve impulses that can cause the muscles around the eyes to contract involuntarily, leading to spasms. Eye twitching should not be ignored for more than two weeks.

Lack of social interaction may be the reason

While stress can affect vision, the relationship works both ways. Vision problems can also contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. Vision problems can lead to poor quality of life. Living with eye disorders can exacerbate feelings of frustration and helplessness, contributing to mental distress.

Vision problems can also sometimes lead to withdrawal from social interactions. The fear of not being able to see things clearly or the embarrassment of wearing glasses can isolate people from their social circles, contributing to feelings of loneliness and depression.

How to manage stress for healthy vision

Understanding the possible link between stress and eye health is the first step towards managing the effect. A person can cope with stressful situations by engaging in techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Besides, having regular eye examinations is a great way to detect any eye problem at an early stage and start treatment as required.

Choosing a healthy lifestyle is important for an individual’s overall health.

Initially, this may mean maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and checking for quality sleep. Furthermore, limiting one’s screen time and taking regular breaks if one’s work requires prolonged screen use is a healthy practice that should be inculcated.

1698924519
#stress #affect #eye #health #prevention #methods

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.