Your mental well-being plays a vital role in your overall physical health, and that includes your eye health. It’s a lesser-known fact that stress and mental health conditions can significantly impact your vision. If you’re experiencing vision problems, your emotional state could be the culprit. Find out more about these effects in this post by experts at Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic.
Did you know that your mind can impact what you see? Stress and mental health conditions can have surprising physical manifestations, particularly related to eye functions.
Stress triggers the release of adrenaline, which can cause pressure on the eyes and result in blurry vision or other vision changes. Adrenaline levels can get so high and consistent while you’re stressed, your eyes remain dilated and can tighten your eye muscles, the primary cause of twitching.
On the other hand, mental health issues can interfere with the brain’s ability to process visual information correctly. With your mind thinking of so many things and addressing many feelings, it might not give enough attention to your eyes’ needs. It’s also worth noting that certain medications used to treat mental health conditions can cause vision changes.
Anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorder are a few examples of mental health conditions that can influence vision. Anxiety can lead to hypersensitivity to light and rapid changes in pupil size, which can cause blurred vision.
Depression can sometimes manifest as a loss of visual contrast sensitivity, making the world appear grayer and less vibrant. Bipolar disorder can affect the visual system during both manic and depressive phases. Reported symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light and the perception of objects moving even when they are still.
These conditions can affect your quality of life. It’s critical to consult with an optometrist if you have these disorders and are experiencing vision problems. They can work in conjunction with mental health professionals to provide holistic care.
Chronic stress, in particular, can have a profound impact on vision. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues that may indirectly affect your eyesight. Stress can also cause symptoms such as light sensitivity, dry or wet eyes and difficulty focusing.
These symptoms may not appear immediately during stressful periods but may develop gradually over time. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor are crucial for detecting these changes early and mitigating potential damage to your vision.
Your mental well-being is a critical aspect of your eye health that deserves attention. For top-notch optical care, trust the experts at Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic. Reach out to us at the following numbers: (425) 771-8472 (Lynnwood, WA) and (425) 485-0430 (Bothell, WA), or fill out our contact form.