Even our eyes suffer threatening vision loss with too much stress?

Can psychological stress lead to vision loss?

The health consequences of a high level of stress are extremely far-reaching. Many people are well aware of the possible association with symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems or back pain, but the effects of stress go much further. In a recent study, scientists have also shown a connection with vision loss.

That stress can lead to a loss of vision is a very surprising context. So far, it was only known that the loss of vision in those affected sometimes causes considerable stress. Now the research team headed by Professor Bernhard Sabel, director of the Institute of Medical Psychology at the University of Magdeburg, found out that stress has a direct effect on vision. As a result, patients may find themselves in a vicious circle of diminishing eyesight, increased stress, further deterioration in vision, and a renewed increase in stress levels.

Persistent stress can contribute to vision loss. (Image: Ramona Heim - Fotolia)

Psychosomatic component of vision loss

For their study, the researchers evaluated the research results of hundreds of existing studies and clinical reports on the relationship between stress and eye disease. "There is clear evidence of a psychosomatic component of vision loss, because stress is an important cause - and not just a consequence - of progressive vision loss due to diseases such as glaucoma and optic neuropathy," summarizes the study director Prof. Sabel the results. The study results were published in the journal "EPMA Journal"

Eye and brain involved in vision loss

According to the expert, "continuous stress and long-term elevated cortisol levels can negatively affect the eye and brain because the autonomic nervous system is unbalanced, dysregulated blood vessels and increased intraocular pressure." Both the eye and the brain are involved in vision loss , This fact is often not considered by the treating physicians and has not been systematically documented in the medical literature.

Impact on clinical practice

Although many sufferers suspect that psychological stress is associated with their vision loss, the relationship between stress, vision loss, and vision recovery has been poorly understood, the study authors explain. In the current study, a clear connection has now been established. "The impact of this finding on clinical practice is considerable," according to the announcement of the University Hospital Magdeburg on the study results. For example, the authors of the study also recommend discussing treatments for stress reduction during the doctor-patient interview. Some case reports in the current study have shown how stress reduction can help restore vision.

Behavior of doctors as a stress trigger

Furthermore, the treating physicians should be aware of the fact that their behavior and their words can have far-reaching consequences for the prognosis of vision loss, since they have a direct influence on the stress perception of those affected, the experts explain. Many sufferers are told that their prognosis is bad and they should prepare to one day go blind. "Even if this is far from certain, and complete blindness almost never occurs, the resulting anxiety and anxiety will result in a neurological and psychological double burden with physiological consequences that often worsen the condition," says co-author Dr. Muneeb Faiq, Associate Professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (New Delhi) and the New York University School of Medicine.

Break the vicious circle of stress and progressive vision loss

As a possible effect of stress, the researchers call, for example, an increased intraocular pressure, endothelial dysfunction (Flammer syndrome) and inflammation, these symptoms may each lead to further impairments of vision or damage to the eye. Prof. Sabel has therefore developed a holistic treatment approach that combines stress management, patient education and visual restoration techniques. Psychological counseling is also provided to break the vicious circle of stress and progressive vision loss.

Combination of different treatment approaches

Additional therapies such as brain stimulation, relaxation, vision recovery, anxiety management and social support will counteract stress and induce a relaxation response by rebalancing the autonomic system by reducing sympathetic and enhancing parasympathetic activity, the experts explain. At the same time, measures are being taken to increase the blood flow in the eye and thus to open the window for the restoration of vision, reports the University Hospital Magdeburg.

Holistic approach to eye diseases

The scientists recommend stress reduction and relaxation techniques such as meditation, autogenic training, stress management training, psychotherapy not only as a supplement to traditional treatments for vision loss, but also as a potential preventive against the progression of vision loss, according to the University Hospital. This holistic approach to the clinical management of ophthalmic disease could, according to the experts, be used much more.

Stress reduction measures can also have positive effects on the treatment of eye disorders. (Image: fizkes / fotolia.com)

Stress management for caregivers and family members

In addition, "Doctors should do their best to convey a positive attitude and optimism and to give their patients the information they are entitled to, especially with regard to the importance of stress reduction," the researchers emphasize. In the course of the treatment, the stress management is also relevant for carers and family members, whose support and encouragement contribute to a stress-free state. A holistic approach to treatment could break the vicious circle of stress and progressive blindness.

Further studies required

Professor Sabel concludes that stress reduction should be a complementary treatment goal, as holistic supplementation of ophthalmic treatments such as electrostimulation and relaxation techniques opens up new opportunities to improve vision in conditions such as glaucoma or optic nerve damage , "Further clinical trials will be undertaken to validate the causal role of stress in various low vision disorders and to evaluate various anti-stress therapies for preventing progression and improving vision as the basis of psychosomatic ophthalmology," Prof Sabel and colleagues. (Fp)