In my practice, I frequently need to make a distinction between a vision problem which is developmental in nature versus one which is stress-induced in nature. Over the past few years, as I’ve become more perceptive about where certain vision problems come from, I’ve also noticed an increase in the number of adult patients who are coming to see me due to vision problems that are recent-onset in nature. These late-onset vision problems seem to be caused by chronic visual stress, and very possibly related to overall emotional stress as well. The vision problems that these stress disorders cause vary quite wildly, and in my opinion this variety in the types of vision problems are essentially an expression of differences in how people deal with stress. These stress responses correspond roughly to FIGHT, FLIGHT, or FREEZE.
When we look at the literature, there are multiple studies that show a connection between different stress disorders. For example, there is a strong correlation between PTSD and ADHD:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
Of course, correlation does not equal causation. However, given that both types of disorders result in an individual whose nervous system is constantly in some sort of stress response, it makes sense that there would be a strong correlation. As for the diagnosis of ADHD in children, there are also articles that discuss the high correlation of those with ADHD with a diagnosis of Convergence Insufficiency, which is a binocular disorder in which the the two eyes have difficulty working together as a team:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
The ability of the eyes to pull inward to focus on near targets is mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system. Thus, it makes sense that an individual whose autonomic tone is in high sympathetic activation would also have difficulty converging their eyes. Given that there is such a strong correlation between a binocular disorder such as Convergence Insufficiency with a disorder like ADHD, it makes perfect sense why chronic stress on overworked and overly stressed adults would experience various types of vision problems. Some of the visual diagnoses that I’ve seen as a result of these stress related disorders include:
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Convergence Insufficiency (two eyes having trouble converging together at near)
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Convergence Excess (two eyes over-converging when focused on near targets)
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Divergence Insufficiency (two eyes stuck at near and unable to relax to straighten out at far, resulting in double vision at far distances)
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Spasm of Accommodation (focusing system stuck at near and unable to relax properly to see clearly far away)
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Accommodative Insufficiency (focusing system has lost flexibility and no longer able to focus at near properly)
These are just some of the various visual disorders that can come from various stress related disorders. The visual symptoms and effects may include:
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Double vision
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Intermittent blurred vision
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Frequent loss of visual attention
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Slow-down of visual processing speed
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Loss of place while reading
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Loss of work productivity
Because the visual aspect is merely a symptom of a bigger problem involving the entire nervous system, it makes sense that whatever is done to relax the nervous system and bring the individual out of a high stress mode would also improve visual function. In my practice we typically first utilize Syntonic phototherapy, a type of frequency based light therapy that acts on the body’s stress response. When successful, we see changes not only in visual function, but also in the patient’s emotional state, quality of sleep, and behavior patterns. Please feel free to contact us if you feel that you or someone you know is suffering from this sort of stress-related vision problem.
FAQs:
Can chronic stress affect vision?
Yes. Chronic stress can contribute to visual symptoms such as eye strain, blurred vision, difficulty focusing, headaches, and visual discomfort.
What vision problems can stress cause?
Stress may contribute to difficulty focusing, eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, blurred or fluctuating vision, and headaches. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by an eye-care professional.
Can vision therapy help with stress-related visual problems?
Vision therapy may help address certain functional vision problems, particularly difficulties involving focusing, eye coordination, and visual processing. A professional evaluation can determine whether vision therapy is appropriate.
Tags: Binocular Vision, Chronic Stress, Convergence Excess, Convergence Insufficiency, Divergence Insufficiency, Stress and Vision, Stress Related Vision Problems, Vision Disorders, Vision Therapy, Visual Stress