Collin County Living Well Magazine March/April 2020 | Page 16

MARCH IS
SAVE YOUR VISION
MONTH!
Stress is bad for your health and
your vision too.
Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center
P
erhaps you’ve learned stress is bad for your health,
but what many people don’t realize is that stress can
also cause vision loss. Although stress-related loss of
vision is often temporary, many people with common,
underlying eye and health conditions aren’t always
so lucky, which is why stress management is key.
According to Plano eye doctor Faisal Haq at the Key-
Whitman Eye Center “Generically, stress is bad for us in
many ways. It can cause high blood pressure, increase
cortisol (the ‘stress hormone’) levels and elevate sugar levels
in the blood, which are direct consequences of stress on the
body. Then there are the indirect consequences of stress.
There’s no doubt that high blood pressure, high cortisol
levels and elevated blood sugars can exacerbate certain
eye diseases and conditions, which may lead to permanent
vision loss for some patients.”
How Stress Plays a Role in Vision Loss for People with
High Blood Pressure, Glaucoma and Diabetes
No. 1: High Blood Pressure Increases
The Risk Of Vision Loss Due To Vascular Disease.
Stress can raise blood pressure, which can raise the
incidence of vascular disease. This includes vascular
disease of the eye, a condition that can cause damage
to the optic nerve and the retina, resulting in vision loss.
Vascular disease can also cause the macula located at the
back of the retina to deteriorate, which may exacerbate
macular degeneration, a progressive, blinding disease.
No. 2: High Cortisol Levels Increase
The Risk Of Vision Loss Due To Glaucoma.
Stress raises the levels of cortisol which is associated
with high eye pressure. Increased eye pressure worsens
glaucoma, a disease that can damage the optic nerve and
even cause blindness.
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COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH/APRIL 2020
No. 3: High Blood Sugar Levels Increase
The Risk Of Vision Loss Due To Diabetic Retinopathy.
Stress can increase blood sugar levels and make it more
difficult for diabetics to regulate blood sugar. Poorly
controlled blood sugars contribute to diabetic retinopathy,
a blinding condition in which blood vessels in the back of
the eye become weakened and leaky. Diabetic retinopathy
can lead to permanent loss of vision unless diagnosed and
treated early.
Reduce Your Risk for Vision Loss –
Get Stress in Check NOW!
If you feel stressed-especially if you have one of the
underlying conditions discussed above - it is important to
take proactive steps immediately to manage stress.
“When I talk with patients who are highly stressed and
at risk for vision loss, one of my first pieces of advice
is to schedule time with their primary care physician to
work out a stress management plan. It’s so important to
find ways to minimize stress and find balance in life,”
Dr. Haq stated.
Dr. Haq also urges patients to think about the things they
love doing reading, traveling, cooking, sports, etc. – and
devote more time to doing those activities, in order to find
a better work-life balance.
According to Dr. Haq, “Personally, I enjoy playing tennis
or golf to reduce stress, but everybody is different. That’s
why it’s important to work closely with your doctor to
develop a customized plan for you. Depending on your
needs, you may benefit from exer cise, dietary changes,
massage therapy, acupuncture, breathing exercises,
counseling and other solutions. Most important, don’t
delay. The sooner you get stress under control, the
sooner you’ll reduce your risk of vision loss and other
health issues.”