The eye does not see, the heart does not hurt. Out of sight, out of mind. The two examples taken from the popular wisdom of proverbs make us think of a link between mind, emotions and sight. The phenomenon of stress, studied since the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the research of Hans Selye (Tan & Yip, 2018), impacts various organs and systems of our organism, determining changes in the effectiveness of performance, changes in eating habits, irritability, intestinal problems, pain, alteration of the sleep cycle (Syeda Rushda et al., 2017), psychosomatic symptoms. What impact does it have on vision? We will try to investigate the relationship between stress and visual health by examining the specific impact on eye pressure.
Impact of stress on eye health: stress-induced visual disorders.
In the great variety of demonstrations of visual disorders related to stress we find some recurrent symptomatic manifestations (Lanfernini & Moscariello, 2023):
- Blurred vision caused by tension in the eye muscles;
- Double vision;
- Glare with accentuated photosensitivity;
- Tunnel vision: extreme stress can cause narrowing of the visual field with the sensation of looking through a tube (migraine aura);
- Blurred vision and dizziness;
- Bright flashes and sudden lights in the field of vision;
- Palpitations and tremors;
- Eyelid fasciculations: tremors of the eyelids;
- Vitreous detachment (generally linked to chronic stress);
- Stress-induced blepharitis and chalazions;
- Retinal detachment;
- Swollen eyes and eyelids;
- Visual fatigue;
- Heachache;
- Dry eyes;
- Dry eye syndrome: Stress can contribute to reduced tear production, which is essential for hydration.
The link between stress and eye pressure.
In the case of eye pressure sensations of pressure may be experienced due to the tension of the muscles around the eyes as a result of anxiety and somatization. Unlike what happens in glaucoma there is no real increase in intraocular pressure.
Stress and glaucoma.
As illustrated in the contribution by Seyeda Rushda and collaborators (2017), however, there is a bidirectional effect, a sort of vicious circle of mutual influence between stress and eye problems and vice versa. In the specific case of glaucoma, stress affects the secretion and drainage of ocular fluid, resulting in an increase in ocular pressure which can favor the progression of the ocular pathology. Glaucoma can in turn impact emotional well-being by generating worry and anxiety. Periodic eye exams can represent a useful tool for monitoring, prevention and early intervention.
Strategies for managing stress and promoting eye health.
Below are some strategies for managing stress and promoting visual well-being (Lanfernini & Moscariello, 2023).
- adequate physical exercise;
- nutrition care: there are specific anti-inflammatory diets for ocular stress (intake of vitamins with an increase in fruit and vegetables, intake of lean proteins, limitation of the intake of saturated fats, avoid added sugars and alcohol, prefer wholemeal carbohydrates);
- sleep care;
- pay attention to the use of screens: for example, for those who work with the PC for a long time it may be useful to take care of your posture, take frequent breaks (respecting the 20-20-20 rule or every 20 minutes stare at something at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds), possibly use artificial tears, adjust the brightness of the screens, do eye stretching exercises, use glasses and lenses correctly under the prescription of the ophthalmologist, evaluate the use of resting lenses capable of limiting the impact of blue light from screens);
- consider natural remedies (there are numerous plants and herbs that can be useful in relieving eye discomfort);
- relaxation and breathing techniques, yoga and meditation.
Psychological support and eye health: what is the connection?
Particular working conditions, life events, health problems can give the feeling of being overwhelmed. These are the conditions of distress, the negative stress that is generated when we feel we do not have sufficient resources to deal with specific situations. In this case it may be useful to contact a professional to begin a process of psychological support useful for mapping resources, critical issues, but also for learning specific techniques for managing stress. In fact, as described, stress favors physiological activation reactions in our body with the production of substances (for example cortisol) responsible for inflammation and systemic responses (increased heart rate and blood pressure). The chronicity of this type of activation can have negative consequences on the health of our body and our eyes.
To prevent the eye from seeing and the heart from becoming stressed, it may therefore be useful to follow simple instructions:
- Promote a balanced lifestyle (care for nutrition, sleep, free time, physical exercise and work-life balance);
- Schedule periodic check-ups with your eye doctor;
- Contact a mental health professional if you are dealing with chronic stress.
