Stress is inevitable in everyone’s life, but when it becomes prolonged, it impacts different organs of the body, such as the eyes. Stress thus could not be said to cause eye diseases, but data reveals that it might intensify some of the age-related eye diseases. In this blog, we will look at how stress affects the eyes and how you can reduce stress to improve your vision.
The Connection Between Stress and Eye Health
We get stressed and develop hormones such as cortisol, which puts the body on high alert for “fight or flight”. However, stress maintains the body on high alert and this causes the body to have other related complications. Stress impacts different systems in the body, some of which are the cardiovascular system, blood pressure, and therefore, the eyes. Stress related hypertension affects blood vessels in the retina and therefore affects vision. Another condition that is sometimes related to stress is diabetes, which is also accompanied by such problems as diabetic retinopathy.
Understanding Age-Related Eye Diseases
These diseases become more common in people as they grow older and can affect vision. Some of the age related eye diseases include, cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Although these conditions are related to aging and genetics, stress can either cause or worsen the situation. For instance, glaucoma, which is a disease of high pressure within the eye, could be worsened by stress induced high blood pressure. Another type of retinal degeneration that seems to be associated with inflammation is macular degeneration – the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, which is also worsened by chronic stress.
Can Stress Worsen Age-Related Eye Conditions?
New studies indicate that stress might be a factor that could cause the deterioration of age related eye diseases. Stress is known to cause inflammation and blunted immune systems and these may fuel eye diseases that are related to aging. For instance, oxidative stress which is normally caused by prolonged physical or mental stress affects the tissues of the eyes hence leading to more difficulty in controlling age related eye diseases. Although stress may not be the cause of these disorders, it is evident that the absence of stress could assist in controlling eye health better.
Managing Stress for Better Eye Health
On the bright side, stress can be managed and in fact it is healthy for your eyes as well as the rest of your body. Here are some tips to reduce stress and support eye health:
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: The best strategies include meditation, deep breathing, and yoga since they help in lowering cortisol levels and encouraging relaxation.
- Exercise Regularly: Stress and tension can be reduced through exercise because it produces endorphins which energize the body.
- Prioritize Sleep: Cortisol is a stress hormone that is easily influenced by sleep hygiene; hence proper sleep hygiene helps in improving the immune system.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Antioxidant containing foods such as green vegetables and berries can help to lower oxidative stress and improve overall and ocular health.
- Take Regular Breaks: If you spend most of your time in front of a screen, then it is important to take time and give your eyes a break.
The Importance of Regular Eye Check-Ups
Besides stress control, regular eye examinations are important in identifying age related eye diseases. The regular check-ups can also help in checking on the health of your eyes and can diagnose any problems that are in the early stages. It is usually advisable to seek treatment for diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration early enough, so that some of your vision can be saved.
Conclusion
Although stress may not directly be the cause of age related eye diseases, it is an important factor in the general health of an individual, hence the eyes. It is possible to prevent vision problems by reducing stress and practicing a healthy lifestyle and having your eyes checked regularly. If you want to know more about age-related eye diseases or anything else about eye health, please contact The Eye Foundation now. Don’t wait too long—visit us now to make sure your eyes will be healthy in the years to come. Book your appointment today!
