How does stress affect the eyes? Possible problems and what to do

Eyes are sensitive organs that can easily be affected by stress and anxiety.

We live in a society where it is difficult to stop for a single second. Every day we have to deal with meetings at work, taking the kids to school, cleaning before a visitor comes... situations that force us to be quick and active.

On top of all this, and especially in the field of studies and office work, we have to use devices such as computers or cell phones to keep us informed and to be able to carry out our tasks. Lights, along with other stressors, are elements that contribute to the development of diseases and infections in our vision organs.

In this article let's take a look at how stress affects the eyes.Some associated disorders and tips on how to prevent them from occurring.

How does stress affect the eyes?

Eyes are very sensitive organs. They require constant hydration and powerful lights can damage them. In addition, particles such as sand or dust irritate them very easily and cause discomfort.

Day-to-day problems cause the eyes to develop a physiological response that is a physiological response that is intended to warn us that something is wrong.. If we do not heed this wake-up call, problems can become chronic.

Let's take a look at some of the eye problems associated with high levels of stress that often cause discomfort.

Eye problems in the face of stress

Listed below are some of the visual problems caused by high levels of stress.

1. Eye tremors

Also called tics or, in the more professional field, myokymias. These tics usually affect the lower eyelid and sometimes the upper eyelid.

They are involuntary movements of muscle fibers around the eyes, in particular Müller's muscle, which is the muscle of Müller.The tics usually involve involuntary movements of muscle fibers around the eyes, specifically Müller's muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid.

Normally, these movements can be controlled, but in stressful situations they occur spontaneously. Episodes of tics can have a variable duration, ranging from days to weeks.

The causes of myokymias can have a chemical origin, such as the consumption of exciting substances such as caffeine or the abuse of tobacco and alcohol. A disorganized life can also result in eye tremors, such as irregular sleep rhythms.

2. Eye inflammation

This is another of the most common consequences of stress. One of the causes of this type of problem is maculopathy or central serous choroidopathy, which consists of inflammation of the central part of the retina.which consists of inflammation of the central part of the retina.

Ocular inflammations can occur due to hormonal and biochemical misalignmentsThe vessels that irrigate the eyes become inflamed and lose impermeability. Fluid occupies the space between the retina and the choroid. This causes the macula to be affected, which is a part of the retina that allows us to see clearly. The result is a kind of spot in the center of the retina that makes it difficult to see small details.

This type of inflammation can lead to loss of vision in the most severe cases, although, as a general rule, it only causes blurred vision. generally only produce blurred vision and difficulties when reading, and they are solved after a few days.and they are solved after a while.

3. Visual fatigue

Also called asthenopia, it is the fatigue that our eyes suffer from the stresses of everyday life. It can be caused by long hours in front of devices with screens, and causes ailments such as headaches, blurred or double vision and reading difficulties.

Because of this, eyestrain is one of the most common stress-related problems among secretaries, office workers, researchers and writers, among other professions that spend much of their work using computers.

Visual fatigue should not be confused with eyestrain, which is an impairment associated with eyestrain.which is an age-related deterioration of visual acuity.

4. Inflammation of the eyelids

Also called blepharitis. It is usually caused by environmental dryness, which usually occurs when you are subjected to air conditioning for long periods of time or in front of screens.

This type of problem itching, a feeling of sand in the eyes, irritation, redness and burning. and burning.

5. Stress ammaurosis

This is a sudden loss of vision. It usually occurs in people who already have a family history of this disease, but there are also cases in which it appears due to a prolonged period of stress.

Tips for treating and preventing problems

As we have seen, stress can have serious consequences for our eye health. It is for this reason that here we will see some tips to avoid developing these problems or to treat them in case they occur..

1. Relaxation and rest techniques

Stress is the result of a life that demands a frenetic pace. A good way to reduce the problems it brings is to use relaxation techniques.

Yoga, meditation, mindfulness or something as simple as deep breathing can be some of the methods that contribute to avoid health problems in the eyes as well as in the rest of the body.

It is also important to find a moment to rest your eyes.. Turn off the computer and close your eyes for about five minutes, let them have a rest. This way they will be properly hydrated and will not be under so much pressure.

2. Use glasses or lenses

When you suffer from a chronic eye problem, such as astigmatism or myopia, it is highly contraindicated not to use glasses and lenses.

If we see badly, we will strain our eyesight, which will generate stress in our eyes, in addition to causing dizziness.This can also cause dizziness and sensitivity to light. Glasses were invented so that we could see well, let's use them, that's what they are for.

With respect to contact lenses, care must be taken. We must make sure that it is the best method available, since there are some people whose eyes are very sensitive to lenses, causing irritation and discomfort.

3. Change habits

Our body is a temple, and for that reason we must take care of it. A correct diet, frequent sports practice and a positive attitude towards life are aspects that help us to are aspects that help to have an optimal state of health.

Another healthy habit is to try to avoid the use of devices with screens, such as television, computers or cell phones, especially at night. The lights emitted by these devices can be very harmful to our eyesight if we are exposed to them if we are constantly exposed to them.

A more organized lifestyle will prevent us from suffering situations of uncertainty, which will generate stress and nervousness.

It is also recommended to work in environments where there is natural light, which poses fewer problems compared to artificial lights, which tend to be more aggressive to the eyes, especially those with bluish tones.

4. Eyelid massages

Some eye problems associated with stress, such as tremors, can be solved by massaging around the eyes. In this way facilitates Blood flow, in addition to soothing the area through tactile stimulation. through tactile stimulation.

5. Use of eye drops and eye medications

In cases where it is necessary, such as blepharitis, it is advisable to use eye drops, provided that a professional indicates it and according to their guidelines..

There are also ointments that are used to moisturize the eyelids and the eyeball, as well as to fight bacterial infections.

6. See a specialist

If we have already developed a vision problem, the best thing to do is to see an ophthalmologist.

However, other professionals should also be consulted if the cause is stress, However, it will also be necessary to see other professionals in case the origin is stress, such as a psychologist, since he/she will find out what causes this problem and will give us methods to solve it.For example, a psychologist will be able to find out what is causing this problem and will give us methods to find a solution.

Bibliographical references:

• Lamphar, H. (2006). Ergophthalmology: Analysis of the Factors that Influence the Asthenopia of Visual Inspection Workers in the Electronic Industry of Ciudad Juárez. Science & Work, 21, 135-140.
• Rodríguez, A. E., Ferrer, C. and Alió, J. L. (2005). Demodex and chronic blepharitis. Archives of the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology. 80(11).