There are many consequences that stress can have on our healthespecially when it becomes chronic. Fatigue, palpitations, sleep problems…are just some examples. But maybe you hadn’t thought that it can also be the source of some of your vision problems. Among the most common manifestations of stress in visual health are, for example, tremors in the eyelid, known as eyelid tremors, tics, as well as ocular inflammation, visual aura or blurred vision.
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Tremors in the eyes, one of the most visible consequences
As we said, eye tremors are usually the most common symptoms of stress that affect vision. “The facial ticslike the tremor in the eye, are repetitive spasms that appear in a small musclewhich is one of those that serves to elevate the eyelid, the Müller muscle, so it does not affect the movement of the eye itself. Its operation is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, it acts involuntarily and can be activated in stressful situations in which we release a lot of adrenaline. Situations of extreme fatigue, due to lack of sleep, or excessive work and use of screens, can also trigger them,” explains the doctor. Fernando Llovetophthalmologist co-founder of Clínica Baviera. How should they be treated? The doctor clarifies that since they are temporary, they do not require specific treatment.
Blurred vision, another possible consequence of stress
But, in addition, stress can also cause blurred vision problems due to eye inflammation, called central serous maculopathy, a problem that can even lead to sudden vision loss. “In these cases it is necessary to go to an ophthalmologist so that he can determine the best treatment to follow, especially if you suffer a sudden loss of vision that may be a symptom of other conditions, such as retinal detachment,” says the doctor. Llovet.
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© Adobe StockOther visual disturbances due to stress
Apart from these two problems, the most common, the appearance of some visual alterations such as zigzag beams, blind spots, flashes, light sensitivityamong others, known as episodes of visual aura due to stress. “Usually they last a few minutes, but lead to headache or migraine which can last from several hours to several days and in this case we do need it to be controlled,” says Dr. Llovet.
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How to prevent the consequences of stress on vision
When stress begins to leave its mark on us on a physical level, it is undoubtedly essential to get to work and try to tackle those consequences, especially if they are prolonged over time. In the specific case of vision, there are a series of general measures that can be taken into account to try to prevent these problems that we have referred to previously. Thus, the ophthalmologists at Clínica Baviera, aware that anyone can suffer eye conditions resulting from stress at any time, compile the following Tips to prevent them:
- Try avoid the consumption of exciting substances (caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, etc.).
- Play sports, walk, listen to music and anything activity that can be relaxing and pleasant for us.
- It is essential take a good rest, sleeping between 7 and 8 hours a day.
- Avoid overworklearning to delegate, and situations of physical or mental exhaustion.
- Also, as we said, we must identify the cause of stress and try to avoid it.
- It is useful practice relaxation techniques, breathing and meditation exercises.
- And, of course, you have to go to an ophthalmologist in case the symptoms last longer.
