Author: The Eye Center of North Florida

The Connection Between Diabetes & Your Eye Health

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

Did you know that there are 37.3 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), diagnosed with diabetes, and about 1 in 5 people with diabetes don’t know they have it? Being diagnosed with diabetes could have a connection to your eye health. If the blood sugar is high and uncontrolled, this threat could result in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. Over time, having too much sugar in the blood can damage the retina. The retina is part of the eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain through a nerve in the back of the eye. We want to empower those with information diagnosed with diabetes or forward this newsletter to friends or loved ones who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

What Are The Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Did you know that you can have diabetic retinopathy and not know it? This is because there are often no symptoms in its early stages. As diabetic retinopathy gets worse, you will notice symptoms such as:

  • seeing an increasing number of floaters
  • blurry vision
  • a vision that sometimes changes from blurry to clear
  • seeing dark or blank areas in your field of vision
  • poor night vision
  • noticing colors appear faded or washed out
  • losing vision

Diabetic retinopathy symptoms usually affect both eyes.

What Are The Risk Factors

Risk factors relating to diabetic retinopathy are identical to factors that aggravate diabetes, which include:

  • Obesity:Excess fat within the blood and body tissue makes it harder for insulin to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
  • Inactivity:Inactivity results in slow body metabolism, subsequently favoring high blood sugar levels
  • Family History:Genetic factors affecting the pancreas cause inadequate production of insulin resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels
  • Age:The pancreas’ ability to produce adequate insulin decreases as a person gets older
  • High Blood Pressure:The super-thin blood vessels within the retina rapture easily as a result of the abnormally high blood pressure

What Are The Two Main Stages of Diabetic Eye Disease?

NPDR (Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

NPDR is the early stage of diabetic eye disease. Patients who have had diabetes for five years stand a 25% chance of developing non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

With NPDR, tiny blood vessels leak, making the retina swell. When the macula swells, it is called macular edema. NPDR is the most common reason why people with diabetes lose their vision.

PDR (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

PDR is a more advanced stage of the diabetic eye disease. At this stage, the retina starts growing new blood vessels. PDR is also called neovascularization. These fragile new vessels bleed into the vitreous. You may also see a few dark floaters if they only bleed slightly.

These new blood vessels can form scar tissue. Scar tissue can cause problems with the macula or lead to a detached retina.

PDR is very serious and can steal both your central and peripheral (side) vision.

Can Diabetic Retinopathy Go Away?

Your treatment is based on what your eye doctor sees in your eyes. The following treatment options may include:

  • Medication

Medicine could help reduce swelling and slow vision loss and perhaps improve vision. Your eye doctor will recommend how many injections are needed over time.

  • Medical Control

Controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar can stop vision loss. Carefully follow the diet recommended by your primary care doctor or nutritionist. Always remember to take the medicine that your doctor prescribed. Maintaining healthy numbers with your blood sugar and blood pressure can keep your eye’s blood vessels healthy.

Check out this video to learn more about diabetic retinopathy.

If you are part of the 1 in 10 who have diabetes, you can effectively delay the onset by making healthy lifestyle choices. However, it is prudent to have a yearly eye exam to allow your eye doctor to determine diabetic retinopathy onset when you have diabetes.

Your healthy eyes are our HIGHEST priority, and we are honored to be your partner in eye health!

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Optometric Association, National Eye Institute, and Centers of Disease Control (CDC). This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

What Are Spring Eye Allergies?

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

We are on the cusp of Spring, and the change in season promises fairer weather and new beginnings. Unfortunately, Spring’s new growth can also create seasonal allergies that leave you with congestion, headaches, and itchy, swollen eyes.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, are pretty standard. They occur when the eyes react to something that irritates them (called an allergen). The eyes produce a substance called histamine to fight off the allergen. As a result, the eyelids and conjunctiva become red, swollen, and itchy. The eyes can tear and burn. Unlike other kinds of conjunctivitis, eye allergies do not spread from person to person.

Patients with Spring eye allergies commonly have nasal allergies, an itchy, stuffy nose, and sneezing. It is usually a temporary condition associated with seasonal allergies.

You can also get eye allergies from pet dander, dust, pollen, smoke, perfumes, or even foods. If you cannot avoid the cause, your allergies can be more severe. You can have significant burning and itching and even sensitivity to light.

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Allergies?

The most common eye allergy symptoms include:

  • red, swollen, or itchy eyes
  • burning or tearing of the eyes
  • sensitivity to light

What Causes Eye Allergies?

An allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts to an ordinarily harmless allergen. When an allergen comes in contact with your eye, specific cells within your eye (called mast cells) release histamine and other substances to fight off the allergen. This reaction causes your eyes to become red, itchy, and watery.

What Are Eye Allergy Triggers?

  • Outdoor allergens, such as pollen from grass, trees, and ragweed
  • Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold
  • Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfume

Spring Eye Allergy Management

Avoid triggers by making changes to your home and your routine.

  • Keep windows closed during high pollen periods; use air conditioning in your home and car.
  • Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
  • Wash your hands and face frequently.

If you experience Spring eye allergies, make an appointment today. Please consult your eye doctor before using any over-the-counter eye drops because a prescription oral antihistamine, eye drops, or injections may be more effective in managing your symptoms. If your allergies cause vision changes, feelings of a foreign object in your eye, or acute pain, make an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

We can help you conquer Spring Eye Allergies to ensure a Happy Spring Season!

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

Women’s Eye Health March is Women’s History Month

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

March is Women’s History Month, an observance and celebration of women’s vital role in American history, contributing to culture, society, and medicine. Every woman is essential and contributes daily to help lives, whether for family, colleagues, or the community. A woman’s everyday life is hectic and has many obligations that involve many priorities to complete. We hope your health is highly important because fulfilling your life’s daily duties will be challenging if you are unhealthy. We want to raise awareness about women’s eye health as it deserves special attention for many reasons.  

  • Women typically live longer, putting them at higher risk for diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma.
  • Normal age-related hormonal changes may affect women’s eyes. Dry eye is common partly due to hormonal changes that come with aging.
  • Two-thirds of all blindness and visual impairment occur in women.

Women may delay their regular eye exams to manage family or take care of their daily obligations and forget to care for themselves. However, it’s a new day; it is never too late to make healthy choices. According to a survey by Prevent Blindness, less than 10 percent of women realize that they are at a greater risk of suffering permanent vision loss than men; 86 percent incorrectly believe that men and women are at equal risk, and five percent think that men are at greater risk. The same survey also found that one in four women has not had an eye exam in the last two years. We encourage all women to begin TODAY to put their eye health as a top priority.

The Prevention Plan – What Should Women Do To Protect Their Eyes?

  • Schedule a comprehensive eye exam TODAY! Discuss with your eye doctor about how often you should have one.
  • Eat a healthy diet.Lower your chance of eye disease by eating a generous amount of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, and other oily fish.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and manage chronic conditions like hypertensionand diabetes.
  • Stop smoking! Smoking is linked to AMD, glaucoma, and cataract.
  • Know your family history and share it with your eye doctor. Many eye diseases are hereditary.
  • Wear protective eyewear. Protect your eyes when doing household yard work, chores, playing sports, or working on a job that involves flying debris, sparks, or chemicals. Wear safety glasses, goggles, shields, or eye guards made of polycarbonate to protect your eyes.
  • Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses help protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of cataracts and AMD.

Women, make time for yourself and schedule a comprehensive eye exam to continue to conquer the world gracefully and make your mark on history!

 

References: Women’s Eye Health Organization, Prevent Blindness, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

March Is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

Prevent Blindness has declared March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and we want to share tips that can protect your eyes for those working in the office and those who work outside the office.

We are raising awareness about digital eye strain and providing tips on decreasing the effects of increased screen time. Symptoms of digital eye strain include tired, burning, or itching eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision, or headache.

Check out the ways to help reduce digital eye strain, which are recommendations from the Prevent Blindness organization:

  • Place your screen 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and slightly below eye level.
  • Use a document holder placed next to your screen. It should be close enough so you don’t have to swing your head back and forth or constantly change your eye focus.
  • Change your lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections. Glare filters over your digital screens can also help.
  • Get a chair you can adjust.
  • Choose screens that can tilt and swivel. A keyboard that you can adjust is also helpful.
  • Computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses that block blue light can help ease digital eye strain by increasing contrast.
  • Anti-reflective lenses reduce glare, increase contrast, and block blue light from digital devices.
  • Take frequent breaks using the “20-20-20” rule, as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association recommend. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This technique gives your eyes a chance to reset and replenish themselves.

Other work environments involving chemical, environmental, radiological, or mechanical irritants and hazards must also be mindful of eye safety. About one-third of eye injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments and more than 100 result in one or more days away from work.

Here are a few safety eyewear protection suggestions that can help prevent work eye injuries:

  • Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses
  • Goggles
  • Face shields
  • Welding helmets
  • Full-face respirators

Almost every workplace eye injury is preventable with appropriate eye protection.

Although it is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, we don’t want to miss the opportunity to discuss eye safety tips with our retired patients. Your workplace environment may have changed to a homebound climate, but there are still tips for an eye-safe home.

Here are a few quick eye safety tips at home:

  • Use protective eyewear.Always wear safety glasses or goggles when working with chemicals or other materials.
  • Clear the lawn.Before you mow or use a weed eater, clean up any items that could be flung around at dangerous speeds if the blades catch them.
  • Minimize trip hazards. Secure any rugs and equip stairways with proper railings and lighting.
  • Don’t touch your eyes! Mainly while using cleaners (but it’s a good idea any time), and avoid touching your eyes.

Make your eyes a priority TODAY to help maintain your eye health. Healthy eyesight is vital for productive work and quality of life! 

   

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Optometry, and the Prevent Blindness. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

March Is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

Prevent Blindness has declared March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and we want to share tips that can protect your eyes for those working in the office and those who work outside the office.

We are raising awareness about digital eye strain and providing tips on decreasing the effects of increased screen time. Symptoms of digital eye strain include tired, burning, or itching eyes, dry eyes, blurred vision, or headache. 

Check out the ways to help reduce digital eye strain, which are recommendations from the Prevent Blindness organization: 

  • Place your screen 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and slightly below eye level.
  • Use a document holder placed next to your screen. It should be close enough so you don’t have to swing your head back and forth or constantly change your eye focus.
  • Change your lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections. Glare filters over your digital screens can also help.
  • Get a chair you can adjust.
  • Choose screens that can tilt and swivel. A keyboard that you can adjust is also helpful.
  • Computer glasses with yellow-tinted lenses that block blue light can help ease digital eye strain by increasing contrast.
  • Anti-reflective lenses reduce glare, increase contrast, and block blue light from digital devices.
  • Take frequent breaks using the “20-20-20” rule, as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association recommend. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This technique gives your eyes a chance to reset and replenish themselves.

Other work environments involving chemical, environmental, radiological, or mechanical irritants and hazards must also be mindful of eye safety. About one-third of eye injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments and more than 100 result in one or more days away from work.

Here are a few safety eyewear protection suggestions that can help prevent work eye injuries:

  • Non-prescription and prescription safety glasses
  • Goggles
  • Face shields
  • Welding helmets
  • Full-face respirators

Almost every workplace eye injury is preventable with appropriate eye protection.

Although it is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, we don’t want to miss the opportunity to discuss eye safety tips with our retired patients. Your workplace environment may have changed to a homebound climate, but there are still tips for an eye-safe home.

Here are a few quick eye safety tips at home:

  • Use protective eyewear. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when working with chemicals or other materials.
  • Clear the lawn. Before you mow or use a weed eater, clean up any items that could be flung around at dangerous speeds if the blades catch them.
  • Minimize trip hazards. Secure any rugs and equip stairways with proper railings and lighting.
  • Don’t touch your eyes! Mainly while using cleaners (but it’s a good idea any time), and avoid touching your eyes.

Make your eyes a priority TODAY to help maintain your eye health.
Healthy eyesight is vital for productive work and quality of life!

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References: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Optometry, and the Prevent Blindness. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

What is a Cataract?

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

What is a Cataract? A cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the eye’s lens. A cataract begins when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. The retina converts the light that comes through the lens into signals. It sends the signals to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain. A cataract develops slowly and eventually interferes with your vision. You might have cataracts in both eyes, but they usually don’t form simultaneously.

What Causes Cataracts?

Aging is the most common cause. Did you know that cataracts affect over 20 million adults 40 and older in the US alone, and half of all seniors age 80 and up? This is primarily due to normal eye changes that start around the age of 40. At this age, this is when normal proteins in the lens begin to break down, which causes the lens to get cloudy. Those over age 60 typically start to have some clouding of their lenses.

Other reasons you may get cataracts include the following:

  • Genetics – having parents, brothers, sisters, or other family members who have cataracts
  • Medical issues, such as diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Having had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatments on your upper body
  • Spending a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunglasses that protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays.
  • Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, may cause the early formation of cataracts.                                                                                      

Most age-related cataracts develop gradually, while other cataracts can develop more quickly in those with diabetes.

Cataract Symptoms

Listed below are some vision changes you may notice if you have a cataract:

  • Having blurry vision 
  • Seeing double (when you see two images instead of one)
  • Being extra sensitive to light
  • Have trouble seeing well at night or need more light when you read
  • Seeing bright colors as faded or yellow

Is There A Way To Slow Down the Development Of Cataracts?

Protecting your eyes from sunlight is the best way to slow the development of cataracts. Wear sunglasses that screen out the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light rays. You may also wear regular eyeglasses that have a clear, anti-UV coating. Talk with your eye doctor to learn about your options.

Experiencing Cataract Symptoms?

If you have noticed changes to your vision, like the symptoms we listed above, it is a good idea to come in for an eye exam. In this modern age of incredible medical advancements, there is no reason to ignore your eye health. Give us a call TODAY to learn more or to schedule an appointment! 

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Optometry. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

Eliminate The Blue Light and Have A Good Night Sleep!

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

The blue light from your digital devices may affect you from falling asleep and having a quality night’s sleep. You may have experienced trouble falling asleep after staring at your phone or other digital devices right before bedtime. The blue light from your digital devices keeps us up and stimulates us to wake up, whether from the sun or the digital screens we use.

According to a study from Molecular Vision, blue light has been proven to affect the body’s circadian rhythm, our natural sleep, and our wake cycle. Limiting your screen time to one to two hours before bed and using night mode on electronic devices is an excellent habit to adopt for minimizing blue light exposure affecting our ability to fall asleep.

Night Mode Can Help Reduce Blue Light

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, dark mode, or night mode, is a setting offered on various digital devices to decrease the screen brightness while reducing eye strain in the process. When using a predominantly white background with black text, the typical dark mode displays a black background with a white or colored text or shifts lighter colors toward pink and red instead of blue. The variations of contrast and colors used in the night mode reduce glare and help our eyes adjust easily to surrounding light, leading to less eye strain and easier, comfortable reading. Decreasing the blue light exposure and limiting screen time and brightness can help you sleep better and feel more comfortable.

Digital Eye Strain Signs and Symptoms

Having trouble falling asleep from viewing your digital devices before bed is one symptom of digital eye strain. Listed below are other signs of digital eye strain that can affect your workday if you are not taking frequent breaks.  

  • Sore, tired, burning, or itching eyes.
  • Watery or dry eyes.
  • Blurred or double vision.
  • Headache.
  • Neck and Shoulder Pain
  • Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open.

Do your best to remember to follow the 20-20-20 rule to minimize the symptoms of digital eye strain. Set your phone timer to remind you to look away every 20 minutes at an object that is about 20 feet away for a full 20 seconds. 

How Is Digital Eye Strain Treated? 

A simple way to avoid sleep disruption and digital eye strain is to turn on night mode on our iPhone or Android devices. To recharge your body and maintain good eye health, try putting down your digital device one to two hours before bed. If you must catch up on your favorite TV show or read on your digital device during bedtime hours, switch to the night mode settings to eliminate eye strain.

Solutions to digital screen-related eye problems are varied. However, they can usually be alleviated by obtaining regular eye care and changing how you view the digital screen.

If you continue to suffer from digital eye strain or have any discomfort with your eyes, please call us TODAY to schedule an appointment.  

We love seeing our patients and helping them see us clearly!

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Optometry, and the Molecular Vision. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

What Do Your Eyes Reveal About Your Heart

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

February often brings thoughts of heart-shaped candies and heart-themed décor for Valentine’s Day, but more importantly, it should make you think about your heart health too! February is Heart Health Month, a time to focus on heart health and disease prevention. Many don’t realize that the eyes and heart are connected. The eyes reveal a lot about someone’s health and often indicate underlying severe health issues, which an eye exam can be a lifesaver.

Major Risk Factors for Heart Disease

  • High blood pressure (also known as hypertension)
  • High cholesterol and diabetes — can also cause Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, and Retinal Vein Occlusion.

This damage to your eyes can occur for years before you even begin to experience any symptoms. Left untreated, it can permanently impact your sight.

Why We Encourage Patients to Focus on Their Eyes for Heart Health Month

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will determine your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses and check your eyes for common eye diseases. As well as assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health. Comprehensive eye exams provide the only non-invasive view of blood vessels and the optic nerve.

The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” program targets seven areas that impact heart health and offers tips to reduce your risk of heart disease, which is also beneficial for your eye health:

Manage Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys, which keeps you healthier for longer.

Control Cholesterol

High cholesterol contributes to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. When you control your cholesterol, you give your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.

Reduce Blood Sugar

Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

Get Active

Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life.

Eat Better

A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. Eating a heart-healthy diet improves your chances of feeling good and staying healthy for life.

Lose Weight

You reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, and blood vessels when you shed unnecessary pounds. You give yourself the gift of active living, lower your blood pressure, and help yourself feel better.

Stop Smoking

Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.

If you have not yet had your comprehensive eye exam, now is the time! Eye exams are an essential part of health maintenance. If you have noticed changes in your vision, call us today!

This heart health month, say it with your eyes and schedule your eye exam!

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Optometry, and the American Heart Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

February Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

What is Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

AMD is a disorder of the macula. The macula is the part of your retina where your
central and color vision calls home. AMD is a complex disorder where degenerative
protein/lipids (called “drusen”) deposit under the retina. These deposits are seen in
early macular degeneration. The retina’s structural support system breaks down as
the disease progresses, allowing abnormal blood vessels to grow or leak fluid and
further disrupt the retinal cells.

AMD is the leading cause of central vision loss in Americans over 50 years old. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD):

  • Dry or Nonexudative — This form is quite common. About 8 out of 10 people who have AMD have the dry form.
  • Wet or Exudative — This form is less common but much more severe. Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina.

What are the risk factors?

  • Age: AMD affects more than 2 million Americans over 50 years old. The prevalence of ARMD in the USA is around 6% when 65 and almost 20% when 75 years old.
  • Genetics: have a family history of AMD  
  • Smoking: Increases your risk for progression
  • Diet: eating foods high in saturated fat (found in foods like meat, butter, and cheese)
  • Have Certain Diseases: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease
  • Are Overweight

What is the treatment?

Depending on your type and severity of macular degeneration, many new and
exciting treatment options can prevent further vision loss and help you regain vision,
sometimes even back to 20/20. Discuss your options with your eye doctor.

Look Out for Your Eyesight

Keep up with your eye exams, maintain healthy habits, and have good safety
practices. Your eyes will love you for it! February is all about LOVE. Show some
LOVE to your EYES and call TODAY to schedule your appointment!

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References: American Academy of Ophthalmology. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

Did You Know Stress Can Be A Strain On Your Eyes?

Posted on by The Eye Center of North Florida

Stress is one factor that affects most of us in our busy lives, and health conditions from stress are common. However, did you know that stress can also affect your eyes? When life feels too busy or demanding, your eyes can pay the price like the rest of your body does during those emotionally difficult times.

Here are a few stress-related eye symptoms below that can result from too much stress and what to do about them.

Common Stress-Related Eye Problems

Most stresses caused by eye issues are temporary. Here are a few examples of when stress causes eye problems.

  • Blurry vision. When caused by stress, blurry vision will probably be mild instead of severe.
  • Eye strain. Eye strain may be caused by something simple, like staring at your computer screen too long at work. However, stress can also be a cause.
  • Tunnel vision. You may lose some of your peripheral vision and feel like you can only see straight in front of you.
  • Sensitivity to light. You may feel like bright light hurts your eyes or makes it difficult to see.
  • Eye twitching. Maybe one, or both, of your eyes will randomly spasm.
  • Very dry or very wet eyes. While these are opposite symptoms, either one can be induced by stress. It all depends on how your body responds to a difficult situation.
  • Fluid buildup. Central serous choroidopathy is a more severe eye condition from stress, which can cause fluid buildup in the retina. This condition can eventually leak into an area beneath the retina called the choroid, affecting the eye, sending sight information to the brain.

Please make it a priority to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor TODAY if you have persistent eye trouble.

What Causes Stress-Related Eye Problems?

When you get anxious, frightened, or stressed, your body’s instinct is to go into what scientists call “fight or flight” mode. Your body will start producing hormones like adrenaline, which speed up your heart rate, and your brain will direct more blood to essential functions like your internal organs and less blood to your extremities.

The reason your body takes these actions is to protect you. When you worry about something, your brain detects a threat, so its response is to gear up for either fighting the potential danger or running away from it.

When you are in fight or flight mode, your eyes can suffer because your brain will cause your pupils to dilate. This response aims to get more light into your eyes so you can see any potential threats more clearly. Additionally, when you are very tense, as many stressed-out people are, the muscles in and around your eyes can tighten, causing twitching and soreness.

How to Take Action and Overcome Stress?

The key to taking the edge off eye conditions from stress is to lower your stress level.

  • Sleep at least 8 hours a night
  • Exercise
  • Taking slow, deep breaths, sending the air into your belly instead of your chest
  • Meditating
  • Yoga
  • Writing in a journal

Once you have found a way to deal with your stress, your eyes should return to normal. These stress-relief actions also benefit your heart by lowering your blood pressure. If you are experiencing eye problems, please call us to schedule an appointment. 

Relax, relate, and release the stress to find your happy place! Make lifelong eye health a priority.

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.