When you experience stress, your body senses danger or fear and reacts in a way that protects you from these dangers, whether they’re real or imagined. We know this as the “flight-or-fight” response. There are different degrees of stress, some of which are not harmful to the body. For example, when you’re going into a job interview. Your feelings of stress may translate into being more alert and aware of the way you’re responding to the interviewer’s questions. Or if you’re driving on the highway and feel stressed because of the traffic, it may cause you to be a more cautious driver. However, there is also a highly-damaging level of stress that when it becomes a constant sensation may negatively affect your body.
A 2017 study found that too much stress may result in a loss of vision. Since our bodies release what we commonly refer to as “stress hormones,” which includes cortisol, nor adrenaline, and adrenaline, consistent stress will result in negative problems in the body. Too much cortisol in the vessels of the eye, for example, can damage your eyesight.
With so many Americans experiencing high levels of stress in the workplace, there’s an increased risk for damage to the eyes and in extreme cases may result in a permanent loss of vision.
How Stress Worsens Our Eye Problems
Research from Magdeburg University found that stress can cause damage to the eyes as increased pressure in the fluid inside the eye damages the blood vessels and causes inflammation. While most stress-induced eye problems are temporary, when stress is a common part of your job, those problems can lead to permanent damage such as loss of vision. Moreover, since our eyes and brain are connected, conditions such as glaucoma and optic neuropathy can also lead to vision loss.
How can you tell if your stress is affecting your eyes? The common symptoms of stress-related vision problems include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye twitching
- Excessively dry or extremely watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Eye floaters (tiny black spots that swim across your vision)
Why Managing Stress Matters
Stress is inevitable in almost every career but realizing how the long term effects can impact your health is extremely critical. If you notice pressure in your eyes on a regular basis, it’s important that you attempt to recognize the causes of the symptoms. If you find a connection between the stress of your job and persistent eye pain, seek ways to manage the eye strain. This may include making sure you wear the correct eyewear, taking breaks throughout the day, getting enough exercise, making sleep a priority, eating well, and finding ways to de-stress at home. If your eyes continue to suffer, figure out if there’s anything about your job that can change.
Protect Your Livelihood — Speak to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in El Paso
If you suspect your serious eye problems are a result of your employer’s demands at work, please connect with us today. Additionally, if you are seeking information for a friend or loved one who lost their vision from a workplace accident, contact us right away.
At the Law Office of Javier Martinez, Jr., P.C. we’re committed to protecting the hardworking individuals of El Paso, TX and Hobbs, NM. As a workers’ comp lawyer for more than 20 years, attorney Javier Martinez, Jr. has dedicated his practice to representing injured workers who sustained injuries from a variety of accidents. Your injury may also be a result of prolonged stress on the body. No matter your situation, we can assist you to figure out the best course of action to secure compensation. Contact us today.
