Our vision is one of our most important senses because it allows us to perceive the world, communicate with others, and perform daily activities such as reading, driving, and working. However, as we age, our vision may start to deteriorate due to various factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors. One such factor that can significantly affect our vision is stress.

Stress is our body’s response to external stimuli that can be perceived as a threat. It can be caused by various factors such as work pressure, financial difficulties, relationship problems, and health issues. When stressed, our body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can positively and negatively affect our health. However, prolonged or chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our vision. It can cause various eye problems, such as dry eyes, blurry vision, and even vision loss.

Beyond that, there are other ways stress affects our vision, such as:

#1 – Unnecessary Adrenaline Release

When stressed, our body releases adrenaline, which triggers the fight-or-flight response. This response prepares our body to face a perceived threat but can also cause unnecessary strain on our eyes. The increased heart rate and blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in our eyes to constrict, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the retina.

This can lead to various eye problems, such as eye strain, headaches, and even vision loss. Moreover, the constant release of adrenaline can cause chronic inflammation in the eyes, further exacerbating these problems.

#2 – Lack of Oxygen in the Retina

The retina is the part of our eye that processes visual information and sends it to the brain. It requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. However, chronic stress can cause the blood vessels in our eyes to constrict, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the retina.

This can lead to various eye problems, such as blurry vision, floaters, and retinal detachment. Moreover, the lack of oxygen can cause the cells in the retina to die, leading to permanent vision loss.

#3 – Inflammations

Chronic stress can also cause inflammation in the body, including the eyes. Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can cause damage to our tissues and organs. Chronic inflammation can cause various problems in the eyes, such as dry eyes, redness, and even vision loss.

Moreover, chronic inflammation can cause the formation of cataracts, which are cloudy areas in the eye’s lens. Cataracts can cause blurry vision, eventually leading to vision loss if left untreated.

Taking an Eye Exam

Regular eye exams are essential to maintaining eye health, especially for individuals experiencing chronic stress. During an eye exam, an optometrist or ophthalmologist will perform a series of tests to assess the eyes’ overall health. Depending on the specific concerns and symptoms, the following tests may be conducted:

  • Visual acuity test: Measures how well you can see at various distances. You will be asked to read letters or numbers from a chart to determine the sharpness of your vision.
  • Retinal examination: The optometrist or ophthalmologist will examine the back of your eye, known as the retina, using special instruments. This allows them to check for any signs of inflammation, damage, or other conditions.
  • Slit-lamp examination: Involves using a specialized microscope, known as a slit lamp, to examine the eye’s structures in detail. The optometrist or ophthalmologist can detect any abnormalities or signs of inflammation, such as cataracts or corneal inflammation.
  • Pupil reflex test: The optometrist or ophthalmologist will examine your pupils’ response to light by shining a bright light into each eye. This test helps determine if there are any issues with the nerves and muscles controlling the pupils.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for eye conditions and diseases vary depending on the specific condition. In most cases, medications like eye drops, ointments, or oral medications may be prescribed to treat various eye conditions such as infections, inflammation, or glaucoma. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat certain eye conditions. This can include cataract surgery, LASIK, or retinal surgery.

Of course, lifestyle changes such as wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV rays or quitting smoking can help improve or prevent certain eye conditions. Regular eye examinations are also vital for maintaining eye health and catching any potential issues early on for prompt treatment and management of any conditions.

Conclusion

Stress is a major risk factor for vision issues, so everyone is encouraged to take active steps in mitigating it. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate all stressors from our lives, managing stress through techniques such as exercise, meditation, and relaxation exercises can help reduce its impact on our vision. By being proactive and prioritizing our eye health, we can maintain good vision and reduce the risk of developing serious eye problems.

Optiko can help if you are looking for optometrists in Calgary! We offer comprehensive eye exams to determine if your vision has problems and the appropriate treatment. Schedule an appointment today!