How does stress affect the eyes? Possible problems and what to do

We live in a society where it is difficult to stop for a single second. Every day we have to face meetings at work, take the children to school, do cleaning before a visit comes... situations that force us to be quick and stay assets.

In addition to all this and, especially in the field of studies and office work, we have to use devices such as computers or mobile phones to keep us informed and to carry out our chores. Lights, along with other stressors, are elements that contribute to our organs of vision to develop diseases and infections.

In this article let's see how stress affects the eyes, some associated disorders and tips to prevent them from occurring.

• Related article: "Types of stress and their triggers"

How does stress affect the eyes?

The eyes are very sensitive organs. They require constant hydration and bright lights can damage them. In addition, when faced with particles such as sand or dust, they are very easily irritated and cause discomfort.

Day-to-day problems make the eyes develop

a physiological response intended to warn us that something is wrong. If we ignore this wake-up call, problems can become chronic.

Let's look at some of the eye problems associated with high levels of stress and that often cause discomfort.

Eye problems versus stress

Some of the visual problems caused by high levels of stress are listed below.

1. Tremors in the eyes

Also called tics or, in the more professional field, myokymias. These tics usually affect the lower eyelid and, sometimes, the upper eyelid.

It involves involuntary movements of muscle fibers around the eyes, specifically the Müller muscle, which is responsible for raising the eyelid.

Normally, these movements can be controlled, but in stressful situations they occur spontaneously. Tic episodes can be of variable duration, ranging from days to weeks.

The causes of myokymias can have a chemical origin, such as the consumption of exciting substances such as caffeine or the abuse of tobacco and alcohol. A disorganized life can also lead to tremors in the eyes, as is having irregular dream rhythms.

2. Eye inflammation

It is another of the most common consequences of stress. One of the causes of this type of problem is central serous maculopathy or choroidopathy., which consists of inflammation of the central part of the retina.

Eye inflammations can occur due to hormonal and biochemical imbalances, causing the vessels that irrigate the eyes to become inflamed and lose their impermeability. The fluid occupies the space between the retina and the choroid. This causes the macula to be affected, which is a part of the retina that allows you to see clearly. As a result, you can see a kind of spot in the center that prevents you from discerning small details.

This type of inflammation can lead to loss of vision in the most severe cases, although as a rule they only cause blurred vision and reading difficulties, and they are solved after a while.

• You may be interested: "The 11 parts of the eye and their functions"

3. Visual fatigue

Also called asthenopia, it is the fatigue our eyes suffer from the stress of everyday life. It can be caused by spending many hours in front of devices with screens, and causes ailments such as headaches, blurred or double vision, and reading difficulties.

Due to this, visual fatigue is one of the most common problems associated with stress among secretaries, workers of office, researchers and writers, among other professions that dedicate much of their work using computers.

Visual fatigue should not be confused with eyestrain, which is an age-associated deterioration of visual acuity.

4. Inflammation of the eyelids

Also called blepharitis. It is usually caused by environmental dryness, which usually occurs when it is subjected to air conditioning for long periods of time or in front of screens.

This kind of problem involves itching, a feeling of sand in the eyes, irritation, redness and burning.

5. Stress amaurosis

It is a sudden loss of vision. It usually occurs in people who already had a family history of this disease, but there are also cases in which it appears due to a prolonged period in which they have suffered a lot of stress.

Tips for treating and preventing problems

As we have seen, stress can have serious consequences for our eye health. It is for this reason that here we will see some tips to avoid developing these problems or treating them if they occur.

1. Relaxation and rest techniques

Stress is the result of a life that demands a hectic pace from us. A good way to reduce the problems that comes with it is to use relaxation techniques.

Yoga, meditation, mindfulness or something as simple as deep breathing can be some methods that help prevent health problems both in the eyes and in the rest of the body.

It is also important to find a time to rest your eyes. Turn off the computer and close your eyes for about five minutes, let them have a break. This way they will hydrate conveniently and will not be so pressured.

• You may be interested: "6 easy relaxation techniques to combat stress"

2. Wear glasses or lenses

When you suffer from a chronic vision problem, such as astigmatism or myopia, it is highly contraindicated not to use glasses and lenses.

If we see badly, we will strain our eyes, which will imply stress on the eyes, in addition to being able to produce dizziness and sensitivity to light. Glasses were invented so that we could see well, let's use them, that's what they are for.

With regard to contact lenses, you must be careful. We must make sure that it is the best method that we can have, since there are some people whose eyes are very sensitive to lenses, causing them irritation and discomfort.

3. Change habits

Our body is a temple, and for that reason we must take care of it. A correct diet, practicing sports frequently and maintaining a positive attitude facing life are aspects that help to have an optimal state of health.

Another healthy habit is to try to avoid the use of devices with screens, such as television, computer or mobile phones, especially at night. The lights emitted by these devices can be very damaging to your eyes. if we submit to them constantly.

A more organized lifestyle will prevent us from suffering situations of uncertainty, which will generate stress and nervousness.

It is also recommended to work in environments where there is natural light, which represents fewer problems in front of artificial lights, which tend to be more aggressive to the eyes, especially those with shades bluish.

4. Eyelid massages

Some eye problems associated with stress, such as tremors, are solved by massaging around the eyes. Thus blood flow is facilitated, in addition to calming the area through tactile stimulation.

5. Use of eye drops and medications

In cases where it is necessary, such as blepharitis, it is advisable to use eye drops, provided that a professional indicates it and according to their guidelines.

There are also ointments that are used to hydrate the eyelids and the eyeball, in addition to dealing with bacterial infections.

6. See a specialist

If we have already developed a vision problem, it is best to see an ophthalmologist.

Nevertheless, It will also be necessary to go to other professionals in case the origin is stress, such as a psychologist, since he will find out what is causing this problem and will give us methods to find a solution.

Bibliographic references:

• Lamphar, H. (2006). Ergophthalmology: Analysis of the Factors that Influence Asthenopia in Visual Inspection Workers in the Electronic Industry of Ciudad Juárez. Science & Work, 21, 135-140.
• Rodríguez, A. E., Ferrer, C. and Alió, J. L. (2005). Demodex and Chronic Blepharitis. Archives of the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology. 80(11).