Can Stress Affect Your Eyes?

Stress can manifest itself in various ways throughout the body, and the eyes are no exception. Chronic stress can lead to long-term eye issues, and although these changes are not always permanent, they can cause discomfort. It’s, therefore, important to understand how stress can impact your health, including your eyes.

Read on as our Optegra experts clear up common misconceptions, explain how stress affects the eyes, and discuss which eye stress symptoms to look out for and how to manage them.

Does Stress Affect Your Eyes?

When stressed, the body activates the ‘fight or flight’ response, releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This physiological response can have several effects on your eye health. For example, the increased muscle tension and heightened blood pressure during stressful situations can lead to eye strain, twitching and discomfort.

What Happens to Our Eyes When We’re Stressed?

There are several symptoms to look out for in the eyes that can be the onset of stress. Some of these more common eye issues are:

Eye Muscle Twitching Due to Stress

It’s common for people to experience spasms or twitching in one or both eyes after prolonged periods of stress. These spasms are known as myokymia and typically involve the lower eyelid. Although it can be bothersome, it is rarely cause for concern, rather a sign that your body is overloaded.

To help relieve these spasms, our experts recommend reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques, taking breaks from screen time and ensuring you get enough sleep.

While eye twitching is usually harmless and temporary, there are certain situations where it may be a cause for concern. You should consider seeking medical attention if:

• The twitching persists for more than two weeks.
• The spasms cause your eyelid to close completely or make it difficult to open your eyes.
• The twitching spreads to other parts of your face or body.
• You experience drooping eyelids.
• Your eyes become red, swollen, or produce discharge.
• You have difficulty seeing or experience vision problems due to frequent twitching.
• The twitching is accompanied by facial spasms or other neurological symptoms.
• You feel weakness or stiffness in the affected area.
• The twitching interferes with your daily activities or quality of life.
• You suspect the twitching may be a side effect of medication you’re taking.

In these cases, it’s important to consult an eye doctor or healthcare professional. They may perform a thorough examination, including a full nervous system and eye exam, to rule out underlying conditions such as blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, or other neurological disorders.

Stress & Eye Floaters

Eye floaters appear as spots or strands which drift across the vision as the eye moves. They might become noticeable when stressed, but they are not caused by stress. Eye floaters can be annoying, but they are usually harmless.

Are Eye Styes Caused by Stress?

Eye styes are caused by bacteria growing inside a blocked gland due to a blockage of one of the oil glands in the eyelids. Stress doesn’t cause an eye stye, but it can contribute to its development – it weakens the immune system, making it easier for bacteria to infect the eyelash follicles or oil glands, resulting in a stye. Eye styes can be painful and cause discomfort, but they are rarely a sign of anything serious and should go away within a week.

Eye Strain

Eye strain is one of the most common conditions associated with stress. When stressed, people tend to focus intensely on tasks for extended periods without taking breaks (e.g. looking at a computer screen). This can lead to eye strain, which often results in blurry vision and headaches. Check out our guide on avoiding and relieving eye strain.

Eye Stress Symptoms

When the eyes are under strain, they may become dry from reduced blinking or tear production. Alternatively, they can become watery as a reaction to irritation. Stress can also manifest through various symptoms that affect both your eyes and your overall health. These include:

• Headaches
• Neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Difficulty concentrating

Can Stress Cause Bloodshot Eyes?

Bloodshot eyes can be a result of several factors, including stress. Stress can cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, leading to redness. Moreover, factors like dry eyes, lack of sleep, or increased screen time (all of which are linked to stress) can also contribute to bloodshot eyes. Managing stress and ensuring proper eye care can help alleviate this symptom.

How to Relieve Eye Stress

To combat the negative effects of eye stress, there are several effective methods you can try:

• Blink regularly: This simple action helps refresh your eyes and lubricate them, especially when you’re working at a computer for extended periods.
• Take breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Eat eye-healthy foods: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote good eye health. For tips on the best foods for your eyes, check out our guide to eye-healthy foods.
• Practice good sleep hygiene
• Reduce caffeine intake

Stress can have a significant impact on eye health, leading to various symptoms like eye twitching and styes. By understanding how stress affects your eyes and taking proactive steps to reduce its impact, you can protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy.

Remember to incorporate relaxation techniques, take breaks from screens, and maintain a balanced diet to keep stress at bay and support your eye health. If you’re experiencing persistent eye issues, consult with an expert to get personalised advice and care.