Stress is a state of worry or mental tension that occurs as a response to difficult situations. It can have various effects on an individual’s mental and physical health.
It can interfere with your sleep, skin health, and digestive properties. Stress has also been examined for its potential effects on eye health.
Can stress cause high eye pressure? What is the link between stress and eye pressure?
This article discusses the connection between stress and eye pressure to help understand how stress can affect eye health.
Can stress cause high eye pressure
Yes, stress can cause high eye pressure in some cases. Eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), is the force of the fluid inside the eye.
Stress and Anxiety, whether short-term or chronic, can cause various physiological changes, including increased intraocular pressure.
This increase in IOP is usually temporary but can have long-lasting effects if you have conditions like Glaucoma or Dry Eye Disorder (DED).
However, adopting stress management techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, and adequate sleep can help promote optimal eye pressure.
Prioritizing stress management and regular eye check-ups is crucial to maintaining optimal eye health.
Want to know more about pressure behind the eyes? Read our article: Pressure Behind the Eye and its Potential Risk Factors
The link between stress and eye pressure
Research suggests a clear link between stress and increased intraocular pressure. According to a 2020 study, acute psychological stress can increase IOP in healthy subjects.
Stress is a physiological response to difficult situations. The body releases cortisol and adrenaline hormones as a “fight or flight” response.
These hormones prepare the body to respond to perceived threats. Therefore, stress causes several hormonal fluctuations.
These hormonal changes can influence the eye’s fluid dynamics, potentially leading to increased eye pressure.
A BMC Ophthalmology study also links stress to Glaucoma. It suggests that chronic stress can trigger an increase in IOP, leading to the development and progression of Glaucoma.
These studies state that psychological stress can raise eye pressure in people with Normal Tension Glaucoma as well as healthy subjects.
Research from 2018 claims that mental stress can increase eye pressure, contributing to gradual vision loss.
Additional research is required to understand how stress affects eye pressure properly.
Yet, managing stress to maintain optimal eye health is essential, especially for those at risk of conditions associated with high IOP.
Recommended read: Don’t let increased IOP lead to the development of Glaucoma. Learn about prevention methods — How to Prevent Glaucoma: Exploring Strategies for Healthy Eyes
Managing stress to improve eye health
Source: brenkee from pixabayManaging and reducing stress can improve emotional well-being and aid in maintaining healthy eye pressure.
Some strategies to reduce stress include mindfulness meditation, regular exercise, deep breathing exercises, getting enough sleep, and a balanced diet.
Mindfulness meditation: Developing mindfulness through meditation can help balance stress hormones and promote relaxation.
Regular exercise: Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural stress relievers.
Deep breathing exercises: Practicing controlled, deep breathing techniques can help to calm the nervous system and lower stress levels.
Adequate sleep: Getting sufficient amounts of sleep is vital for maintaining good health and reducing stress.
Balanced diet: A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients like antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health through stress management.
In addition to stress management strategies, taking care of your eye health is important.
Reducing digital screen time, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake can help maintain eye pressure.
Learn how to maintain your eye pressure and preserve eyesight — Read: How to Lower Eye Pressure and Improve Your Vision
Takeaway
Are you curious, “Can stress cause high eye pressure?” The answer to this question is yes; stress may significantly impact eye health.
Evidence suggests a potential link between stress and eye pressure. However, additional research is needed to understand this complex connection fully.
The findings of the studies on stress and eye pressure indicate the importance of managing stress.
A holistic approach to stress management helps promote mental well-being but also aids in maintaining normal eye pressure.
Understand everything related to low eye pressure with our article: Low Eye Pressure: Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does eye pressure increase with stress?
Yes, eye pressure may increase due to chronic stress due to hormonal changes that affect fluid dynamics within the eye.
What nutrients lower eye pressure?
Nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) and antioxidants like Vitamin C and E (fruits and vegetables) may help maintain healthy eye pressure.
Can stress and anxiety cause high eye pressure?
Yes, stress and anxiety can cause high eye pressure. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and a balanced lifestyle can help reduce this effect.
Can eye drops reduce eye pressure?
Prescription eye drops for eye pressure can help reduce elevated eye pressure in some cases. However, it is important to use these products with the guidance of an eye care professional.
Is high eye pressure always related to Glaucoma?
High eye pressure signals a risk for Glaucoma, but not everyone with increased eye pressure will develop the condition.
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