Can stress cause high eye pressure? Disclosing the connection

Medical

A significant number of people worldwide experience stress, with around 30% to 50% population experiencing psychological stress across 77 countries. It can have a significant impact on both the mind and the body. While its effects on mental health are widely recognized, stress can also influence physical conditions, including the eyes. Research proves that chronic stress can contribute to high eye pressure, also referred to as high Intraocular Pressure (IOP). 

Stress causes hormonal changes and interferes with fluid drainage in the eye, which can strain the optic nerve over time. In this article, we will talk about how stress increases IOP, what this can further lead to, and how to manage both stress and changes in eye pressure for better vision. 

How stress increases eye pressure

Stress is one of the causes of high IOP, particularly in individuals already at risk for certain eye conditions, such as Glaucoma. The body’s response to stress includes several physiological changes that can indirectly influence eye pressure:

  • Hormonal response: When stressed, the body releases hormones such as cortisol (stress hormone) and adrenaline, which increase heart rate and blood pressure. These changes can disrupt the eye’s fluid balance and contribute to high eye pressure.
  • Fluid drainage: High cortisol levels can affect the eye’s drainage system, leading to a reduced outflow of eye fluid. This can make it difficult to maintain pressure effectively.
  • Fight-or-flight: This is the body’s natural response to stressful conditions, which temporarily increases blood flow and eye pressure. 
  • Increased blood pressure: As discussed above, stress can increase blood pressure, which, in turn, disrupts the blood flow within the eye. Poor blood flow can impair the fluid regulation in ocular (eye-related) tissues, further increasing the risk of high IOP. Several studies have further confirmed that High Blood Pressure impacts blood flow in the eye.

What high eye pressure can lead to

High eye pressure is often called the silent thief of sight, as it usually causes no symptoms for years. Some individuals can experience blurred vision, headaches, and see halos around lights. It can further lead to:

  • Optic nerve damage: High IOP puts stress on the nerve that connects the eye to the brain, called the optic nerve. This stress damages the cells over time.
  • Glaucoma: As per a 2023 study published by BMJ Open Ophthalmology, high IOP is the leading risk factor for Glaucoma, contributing to around 80% of the cases. As mentioned above, when eye pressure remains elevated over a long period, it gradually damages the optic nerve. This ongoing damage increases the risk of developing Glaucoma.
  • Vision loss: Untreated Glaucoma from high pressure can cause permanent blind spots and eventually vision loss.

How to manage eye health

Maintaining healthy IOP is crucial for avoiding the risk of Glaucoma, vision loss, optic nerve damage, and maintaining long-term eye health. Given below is what can be done to reduce stress and support normal eye pressure: 

  • Regular eye exams: Visit an eye doctor for regular checkups, including eye pressure tests. This is particularly important if you’re at risk for Glaucoma, as it allows you to monitor your IOP.
  • Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques, including yoga, mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing for 10-20 minutes daily. According to a 2023 StatPearls article on the NIH website, relaxation techniques can help reduce cortisol levels and relieve stress.
  • Practice good sleep habits: Stress can disrupt sleep, and poor sleep may lead to fluctuations in IOP. Aim for 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support eye recovery and help maintain balanced eye pressure. 
  • Reduce screen time: Prolonged screen use can increase eye strain and worsen pressure-related discomfort. Take regular breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to protect eye health.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Consume foods rich in antioxidants, essential nutrients, andvitamins to reduce eye pressure. Additionally, practicing regular physical activities helps lower levels of stress hormones, according to Harvard Health, and boost circulation, which can promote a stable IOP.

Lower your risk of high IOP

Stress plays a significant role in influencing intraocular pressure and can increase the risk of optic nerve damage, Glaucoma, and eventual vision loss if left unmanaged. Increased cortisol levels, increased blood pressure, and impaired eye fluid drainage all contribute to higher IOP, particularly in susceptible individuals.

Maintaining eye health requires a proactive approach. It includes regular eye exams, effective stress management through mindfulness and relaxation techniques, quality sleep and reduced screen time. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle, including a nutrient-rich diet and physical activity, can help stabilize eye pressure and protect vision. By addressing both stress and lifestyle factors, you can significantly lower the risk of high IOP and preserve long-term eye health.