Overview
Cataract is characterized by gradual clouding of the eye lens and a decline in vision. Most cataracts are age-related and occur after the age of 50 or more. However, there are other causes of cataracts such as eye injury, eye conditions like glaucoma, and even radiation treatment in the upper body that can induce the disease.
But did you know that in addition to those reasons, stress can also lead to vision problems and even cataracts?
We know that stress can cause digestive problems, insomnia or sleep difficulty, headaches, and even social isolation. Research studies have shown that there is a connection between temporary or long-term stress with vision problems. Stress can induce intraocular pressure or IOP and can lead to eye problems like ocular surface disease which can cause dry eye, blurriness, and glaucoma.
But is there a relation between stress and cataracts? Let’s find out.
How are cataracts formed?
Before understanding how stress can lead to cataracts, let us get a brief overview of how cataracts are generally formed.
The clear eye lens guides the light to pass through and focus on the thin tissue located at the back of the eye called the retina. The retina converts the light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. The brain then interprets and converts these signals into images.
As we age, the lens can become opaque and cloudy and the proteins in the lens can break down and clump together to form cataracts. This can prevent the light from passing through properly and with time as the disease progresses, the vision deteriorates.
Can stress cause cataracts?
Though stress may not directly cause cataracts, it can lead to other conditions or aggravate certain symptoms that can cause cataracts.
Scientific studies have shown that stress is a reason for progressive vision loss due to eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. Research studies also show that reducing stress significantly can restore vision to some extent.
When stressed, the body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to fight the stress. This causes pupil dilation that allows more light to enter the eye.
Long-term stress can increase hormone levels that can lead to:
- High eye pressure that could harm the optic nerve
- Sensitivity to light
- Working long hours in front of the computers can cause eye strain
- Extreme anxiety can block the peripheral or side vision and cause tunnel vision where you can only see things that are in front of you
- Dry eyes and floaters
Extreme stress can cause panic attacks. This can lead to rapid breathing or hyperventilation which imbalances the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body and can cause blurry vision.
Besides the above factors, oxidative stress is a type of stress that is directly linked to cataracts and opacification of the lens.
What is oxidative stress?
It has been found that there is a direct relation between lens opacity and oxidative stress. Oxidative damage can result in age-related cataracts.
Oxidative stress occurs due to the imbalance between the production of free radicals that are generated during the body’s normal metabolism and the antibodies to counteract and fight these harmful radicals. This imbalance can cause oxidation of the proteins, lipids, and nucleic acid present within the eye lens which can lead to opacity or cloudiness.
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Can eye exercises help cataracts?
Exercise cannot cure cataracts, but it can improve vision, provide relief to eye strain, and strengthen the eyes.
Regular eye-specific exercises can improve blood flow and strengthen the lymphatic system. Long-term exercises and physical activity can reduce oxidative stress and lipid degeneration which can lead to eye damage. Furthermore, exercise increases antioxidants that can reduce eye inflammation and infections.
Here are a few simple exercises that can benefit your eye health:
Roll the eyes
Sit in a comfortable position. Look upwards and start rolling your eyes clockwise in a circle. After rolling a few times, repeat the process anticlockwise. This exercise can be done two to three times. Remember, not to overexert your eyes during this exercise. The regime is meant for the relaxation of the eyes.
Eye massage
Close your eyes and keep your eyes shut for a few seconds. This simple exercise can be done two to three times to relax the eye muscles.
Focus on the bridge of the nose
Gently bring your eyes and aim them to focus on the bridge of the nose and look straight. Repeat this process for four to five times.
These exercises will bring positive changes in your eye condition. Consult your ophthalmologist for further guidance on helpful eye exercises for cataracts.
