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Eye strain and other effects of stress on your vision

Una dona descansa els ulls tancats al seu lloc de treball, senyal de fatiga visual.

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Stress is our body’s reaction to situations of great effort, tension, uncertainty or anxiety, and it has harmful effects on our health, including our vision. When we are under stress, our bodies release cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that prepare us to act quickly in the face of a threat. When these hormones remain at high levels for a long time, they can be harmful. In the case of vision, among others, stress can cause eye strain.

What are the consequences of stress in vision and eye health?

Aunque normalmente se trata de cambios temporales, el estrés puede provocar trastornos en los ojos y la visión, como:

  • Elevation of intraocular pressure. If it occurs in short periods, it does not have great repercussions, but if it remains in time, or if the patient has severe glaucoma, it could cause (more) damage to the optic nerve.
  • Eyelid tremors (myokymia). These are usually not dangerous and disappear when stress decreases, but if they persist, they should be checked by a specialist.
  • Sensitivity to light or photophobia. During periods of stress, very bright lights may be more bothersome. Again, this is a symptom associated with a time of stress. If after this period it is not relieved, you should see an ophthalmologist.
  • Dry eye syndrome or, on the contrary, very moist eyes. These are two possible responses of the body to stress.
  • Pain in the inside or the back part of the eyes. Stress is focused on one point of the eye and produces constant pain there, which increases throughout the day. It usually disappears when sleeping and returns in the same way the next day. The situation remains until the cause of the stress disappears.
  • Increased propensity to develop conditions such as central serous chorioretinopathy or migraines with visual symptoms.
  • Blurry vision. People with presbyopia may have fluctuating vision and more difficulty focusing on some objects. This “blurring” may also be experienced by people with anxiety or anxiety crises..
  • Tunnel vision. With excessive stress, peripheral vision may be temporarily inhibited. If it happens often or continues for a long time, it will be necessary to visit an ophthalmologist to rule out other conditions, such as glaucoma.
  • Eye strain. The symptoms are similar to those caused by stress. It could even trigger a temporary loss of vision.

What is eye strain?

Also known as asthenopia or visual fatigue, it is a vision disorder that has increased considerably due to changes in lifestyle habits in our society. The main causes are anxiety and the prolonged use of electronic screens, although it is also related to a sedentary life and long working hours.

Who is more likely to suffer from eye strain?

Those with more probabilities of suffering from eye strain are:

  • People working long hours, especially in front of screens.
  • People exposed to environments with poor lighting.
  • People who misuse glasses or don’t use them at all but they need them.

What are the main symptoms of eye strain?

Eye strain can cause:

  • Dry eyes: they can cause discomfort and even pain to the patient. It occurs when there is a deficit of tear flow, which is the one that hydrates the eyes, or a reduction in the frequency of blinking.
  • Eye itching: it occurs when the hydration of the eyes decreases and it is associated with ocular dryness.
  • Eyelid tremors: myokymias, twitches caused by involuntary movement of the eyelid muscles.
  • Blepharitis or swelling of eyelids: this is associated with dry eyes and consists of the appearance of sebaceous residues on the eyelids and eyelashes.
  • Impact on the central part of the retina (the macula): this is known as central serous maculopathy and it is an inflammation of the macula that causes blurred vision or sudden loss of vision, usually temporary and reversible.
  • Hypersensitivity to light or photophobia: it occurs mainly when too many hours are spent viewing electronic screens.
  • Headaches caused by some visual problems.
  • Heavy eyelids
  • Appearance and disappearance of black spots
  • Inability to focus properly

How can I avoid eye strain?

There are a few recommendations that can help prevent eye strain:

  • People who work with computers or screens are advised to take short regular breaks to rest their eyes.
  • When looking at a screen, it is important to maintain an adequate distance so as not to strain the eyes. It is recommended that the computer screen be placed 10 cm below the visual axis.
  • The use of indirect light, when using screens, will prevent us from straining our eyes.
  • Visual exercises can be performed to relax the eyesight, such as looking into the distance to relax accommodation, and blinking exercises to properly hydrate the eyes.
  • It is advisable to moisturize the eyes and maintain good eye and eyelid hygiene.
  • After using screens, it is important to perform outdoor activities to exercise distant vision.
  • Good health habits, such as getting a good night’s rest, eating a balanced diet and, above all, regular physical exercise, will help to avoid visual stress.

What should I do if I have eye strain?

In the event of any symptom that may indicate eye strain, it is important to go to the ophthalmologist’s office so that they can examine the patient, evaluate the case and establish the appropriate treatment.

Medical content revised by - Last revision 12/08/2024

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