Stress can impact your body in countless ways, including your eyes. At Kristin L. Campbell OD, we provide comprehensive eye exams in Delaware, OH, to monitor changes in vision and eye health that may be related to stress. Our skilled optometrists can evaluate how your eyes respond to tension and recommend strategies to reduce strain.  

In this blog, we look at how stress affects your eyes, the symptoms to watch for, and what you can do to protect your vision. 

How does stress affect your eyes?  

Stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These changes can affect your eyes in several ways: 

• Eye strain – Stress can make focusing more difficult, especially if you spend long hours on computers or mobile devices. 
• Blurred vision – Temporary fluctuations in vision can occur during periods of intense stress. 
• Dry eyes – Stress can reduce blink rate and tear production, worsening dry eye symptoms. 
• Twitching or spasms – Eye muscles may spasm due to tension and fatigue. 

Signs your eyes are being affected by stress 

You may notice certain symptoms that indicate stress is impacting your eyes: 

• Frequent headaches or migraines 
• Blurred or fluctuating vision 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Eye discomfort or dryness 
• Eye twitching 

Our eye doctors can identify whether these issues are linked to stress or other underlying eye conditions. 

Managing stress-related vision problems 

Here are some effective strategies to help protect your eyes and reduce strain: 

• Take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule (look 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds) 
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation 
• Maintain proper posture and ergonomic setup while using computers 
• Use eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed by your optometrist to reduce visual strain 
• Stay hydrated and follow a balanced diet to support overall eye health 

When to schedule a comprehensive eye exam 

If you experience persistent vision changes, eye discomfort, or frequent headaches, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is important. Our optometrists can evaluate your eyes, determine if stress is contributing to symptoms, and recommend corrective measures. 

Take good care of your eyes 

Managing stress and caring for your eyes go hand in hand. Regular eye exams help detect stress-related changes early, while proper eye care ensures your vision stays healthy. If you notice symptoms affecting your eyes or vision, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with our experts.