How Stress Affects Your Eyes


With so much uncertainty due to COVID-19, many of us are experiencing uncommon levels of anxiety as we navigate unique challenges. Stress affects our eating habits, moods, and sleep schedules, but it also affects our eyes. Here’s how stress affects your eyes and how to get them back to normal. 

Stress-Related Eye Issues

The good news is that most stress-related eye issues are temporary. However, if you are experiencing constant eye issues the problem is likely with your eyes instead of stress. In this case, it is best to visit an optometrist as soon as possible to receive treatment. 

You might notice these issues:

  • Tunnel vision. 

You lose your peripheral vision and feel like you can only see straight in front of you. 

  • Sensitivity to light. 

Bright lights hurt your eyes or make it difficult to see. 

  • Eye twitching. 

Maybe one, or both, of your eyes will randomly twitch throughout the day. 

  • Very dry or very wet eyes. 

If you suddenly experience a lot of tearing or unusual dry eye, it could be stress-related. 

  • Blurry vision. 

Stress-induced blurry vision will be mild as opposed to severe. 

  • Eye strain.

Your eyes feel fatigued or hurt, this could also be related to staring at a screen too long, 

  • Eye floaters. 

If tiny spots appear in your vision all of a sudden it might be stress-related. 

These symptoms are usually not debilitating, just annoying, and uncomfortable.

Find Ways to Relax

If you believe your eye problems are stress-related, then you should try and find ways to relax. Consider your symptoms as a warning – your body is trying to respond to a threat, and it’s hurting you. Make de-stressing a priority, whether that’s taking a walk or listening to your favorite song, and if you need some ideas, try:

  • Meditating
  • Journaling 
  • Conscious Breathing 
  • Exercising
  • Napping

If you make proper nutrition and sleep a priority it will be easier for you and your body to keep your stress levels low and your vision healthy.

Maintain Healthy Vision

Once you’ve found a way to relax, your eyes should go back to normal. However, if you continue to experience symptoms, visit your optometrist as the problem may be something beyond stress. The staff at Complete Eye Care of Medina can help treat your eyes and maintain healthy vision. Call us at 763-478-3505 or visit us online at completeeyecareofmedina.com to schedule your exam.