October 10, 2024
optometrist

The mental pressure we experience when anxious is so strong that it also affects our physicality. In many diagnoses, the word “stress” is a part of the initial problem. But, what does it truly do to us? What kind of effects are we talking about? Is anxiety such a strong condition that it can affect our vision? To help you out, we gathered some important information about the anxiety’s impacts on our health:

How does Anxiety Happen?

Stressful situations are experienced by everyone on a daily basis. Forgetting to lock the house, being splashed by water on the sidewalk, not having enough money for rent. These kinds of stressful events, ones that pass by quickly aren’t dangerous for us. However, sometimes the stressful situations can be severe like the death of a loved one or losing your firm. When this happens, our body is overwhelmed with emotions, causing significant change and variations in vitamin and hormonal balance.

Note: If you are experiencing a stressful situation or anxiety, go for regular medical checkups, including visits at the optometrist.

Can Stress Affect Your Vision?

When we are facing a stressful situation, certain changes happen to our bodies. Increased heart rate, hyperactive hormones, increased blood flow in the brain, respiratory changes, extreme variations in libido, etc. So, the mental changes we experience are always accompanied by significant variations in physical functions. However, the main culprits for every change are hormones.

Each hormone is specialized and responsible for specific body parts. There is also the stress-hormone (cortisol) who is a stimulant of the nervous system, making tons of changes, including increased eye activity. Hormonal imbalance is always dangerous since it means that our bodies aren’t managed and functioning the proper way.

What are Common Stress-Related Eye Problems?

When our bodies are becoming imbalanced, every weak spot and the genetically transferred condition is vulnerable to activation. So, if you are anxious and you have vision problems in your family, your eyes may start to experience some changes and difficulties.

The same thing goes for every medical condition. Anxiety usually hits our mental stability, so when people are severely stressed out, they are extremely vulnerable to developing a mental illness which already runs in their family. Here are the common stress-related eye problems:

  • Having frequent headaches or migraines
  • Having difficulties focusing
  • Experiencing narrow or tunnel vision
  • Seeing halos, shiny dots, and twisted objects
  • Having a blurry, dreamlike vision
  • Dry eyes, redness, and pain

Tips on Handling Anxiety

Even though genes have a significant impact on our health, we can still control their effects. Investing some time and effort in a healthier lifestyle will only do you good. The best way to deal with anxiety is through calm contemplation and relaxation. Going to a yoga class, dancing lesson or regular hikes will instantly improve your mental & physical conditions. Do not forget to improve your diet as well since we truly are what we eat. Unless necessary, the usage of pills isn’t recommended at all. They are severely addictive and can even worsen your mental conditions.