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Anxiety and blurred vision
Introduction
Do you ever experience blurred vision when you feel anxious? In some cases, anxiety can cause blurred vision. This happens because your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, which can disrupt how your blood flow and hormones work.
Blurred vision due to anxiety is usually nothing to worry about. If it happens frequently, it will go away once you start to calm down. But if it happens frequently or makes it hard to get through your day, you may want to consult a doctor. They can help you figure out if anxiety is causing it or if something else might be going on. Is anxiety a diagnosis? Yes, anxiety can be part of several diagnosable conditions (such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder), and its physical effects like blurred vision are common.
Can anxiety cause blurred vision?
Anxiety triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, causing spikes in adrenaline, blood sugar, and blood pressure . These changes can sometimes lead to vision problems. Episodes of intense anxiety, such as panic attacks or persistent stress, can both cause and worsen vision problems. Prolonged anxiety can also have a negative impact on the body’s endocrine and vascular systems, which play a role in vision.
Blurred vision can be particularly distressing and often exacerbates anxiety. Although anxiety-related vision changes vary from person to person, they usually affect both eyes. Anxiety triggers the body’s stress response, leading to adrenaline surges, elevated blood pressure, and sometimes numbness in the extremities.
Some common reasons why anxiety can affect vision include:
- Pupil dilation: Stress causes your body to dilate your pupils to take in more information. This lets more light in, which can lead to blurred vision and a wider field of vision.
- Muscle tension: Anxiety causes muscles to tense, including those around the eyes. This can lead to eyestrain, fatigue, and blurred vision.
- Dry eyes: Anxiety can reduce tear production, leading to dry, strained eyes that can cause blurred vision.
- Hyperventilation: Rapid, shallow breathing during anxiety or panic attacks can disrupt oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, which can blur your vision.
- High blood pressure: Prolonged anxiety can increase blood pressure, which in some cases damages the retina and results in blurred vision (a condition called hypertensive retinopathy).
How does anxiety cause blurred vision?
When you feel anxious, your body triggers a stress response called the “fight or flight” response. This releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. While this helps in dangerous situations, it can also cause changes in how your body functions, including your vision.
Blurred vision is a common result of this stress response. It can happen during or after periods of high anxiety. Adrenaline changes blood flow and affects the muscles in your eyes, making it harder for them to focus. Stress can also cause your pupils to dilate, which can make you more sensitive to light and lead to other vision problems. Anxiety over time can blur your vision due to these physical changes.
What role does eye strain play in blurred vision?
Eye strain occurs when you use your eyes too much, especially when staring at screens, reading, or driving for long periods of time. It can cause blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and discomfort.
Eye muscles become tired and less efficient, leading to temporary vision changes. You can prevent eye strain by taking regular breaks, using proper lighting, and adjusting your screen settings.
How does chronic stress affect vision?
Chronic stress affects your vision because it keeps your body in a heightened state. This constant tension can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, and even eye strain. Higher levels of anxiety cause more frequent vision changes.
Chronic anxiety can also reduce your ability to focus or worsen existing vision problems. To protect your vision, it’s important to manage chronic stress and avoid long-term damage to your eyes.
How to deal with blurred vision due to anxiety?
Overcoming anxiety can help reduce vision problems. By calming your mind and body, you can relieve the physical symptoms of stress. Here are some ways to deal with anxiety-related blurred vision:
Deep breathing exercises:
Practice slow, controlled breathing to calm your nervous system. Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly.
Relax your eyes:
Take breaks from screens, close your eyes for a few minutes or gently massage the area around your eyes.
Stay hydrated:
Drinking enough water helps keep your eyes moist and healthy.
Get enough sleep:
Sleep allows your body to recover from stress. Aim for 7-8 hours of rest each night.
Practice physical activity:
Regular exercise reduces stress and improves blood circulation, which is good for your eyes. Even a short walk can help.
Limit caffeine:
Caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety for some people. Reducing your intake may help improve both vision and anxiety.
Try progressive muscle relaxation:
This technique involves tensing and relaxing various muscle groups, including those around the eyes.
By managing stress and taking care of your eyes, you can reduce the risk of blurred vision due to anxiety.
When should you seek professional help?
Most vision problems caused by anxiety are temporary, but if they persist, it’s important to see a doctor. Persistent blurred vision, double vision, or eyestrain may indicate more serious problems, such as eye disease. An eye exam can rule out problems like infections, cataracts, or other conditions that may need treatment.
If there are no medical issues, a therapist can help manage anxiety-related vision problems. They may suggest relaxation and mindfulness to reduce anxiety and symptoms. Better sleep habits and reduced caffeine intake can improve both anxiety and eye health.
Key conclusions
- Anxiety can cause blurred vision due to stress-related changes in the body.
- Common triggers include pupil dilation, muscle tension, dry eyes, and hyperventilation.
- Blurred vision often disappears when you calm down, but can worsen with continued stress.
- Chronic stress can lead to long-term eye strain and vision problems.
- Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing can help.
- Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and taking screen breaks protect eye health.
- Exercise and limiting caffeine intake can reduce anxiety and vision problems.
- Contact a doctor if blurred vision persists to rule out other medical conditions.
- A therapist can help manage anxiety-related vision symptoms.
- Prioritize stress management to keep your vision and overall health in check.
Common questions
Is anxiety blurred vision dangerous?
Blurred vision caused by anxiety is not harmful. The symptom improves as you manage visual anxiety. However, persistent blurred vision can signal other health problems . If the problem persists, it is important to seek medical attention.
Can anxiety make my eyes twitch?
Yes, anxiety can cause eye twitching due to stress and muscle tension. It usually stops when you relax.
Why does my vision deteriorate during a panic attack?
During a panic attack, your body releases a surge of stress hormones. This can dilate your pupils and affect your focus, leading to blurred vision.
Does blurred vision due to anxiety mean I need glasses?
Blurred vision due to anxiety is usually temporary and does not require glasses. If your vision worsens when you are calm, it is caused by anxiety, not your vision.