Yes, stress can increase eye pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP) due to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, causing temporary IOP spikes and potentially contributing to long-term risk for glaucoma and other vision issues, especially with chronic stress. While short-term increases in healthy individuals are often temporary, consistent stress can pose a risk, notes Glaucoma Australia and Glaucoma Research Foundation.
Raised eye pressure happens as the result of a buildup of fluid that flows throughout the inside of the eye. This fluid, called the aqueous humor, usually drains through a tissue located at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. This tissue is called the trabecular meshwork.
Eye discomfort or pain: A feeling of pressure or aching in or around the eyes. Headaches: Particularly those centered around the eyes or forehead. Blurred vision: Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly. Seeing halos around lights: Especially in low-light conditions.
To reduce eye pressure, use prescribed eye drops/medications, exercise regularly (avoiding inverted yoga poses), maintain a healthy diet with leafy greens and omega-3s, limit caffeine, manage stress, and sleep with your head slightly elevated. Lifestyle changes help, but consistent medical treatment with your eye doctor is crucial, especially for conditions like glaucoma.
People with high blood pressure, diabetes, and circulatory diseases are often more likely to develop glaucoma. All of these conditions can increase intraocular pressure and worsen glaucoma. If a patient with glaucoma has one of these health conditions, they must be properly managed.
In the worst-case scenario, stress can trigger an attack of acute angle-closure (also called narrow-angle) glaucoma. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
Causes of Glaucoma
So, What Foods Should You Avoid If You Have Glaucoma?
Nicotinamide/Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) has recently shown significant potential as a novel treatment for glaucoma. It was postulated as a neuroprotective agent for glaucoma in 2017 by Williams and colleagues.
The symptoms to watch for are the sudden onset or worsening of:
Pressure readings are taken at home with a small device that positions over the eye by resting on the bones above and below the eye. A tip at the end of the device gently contacts the eye to take the eye pressure reading.
3 Subtle Signs Your Glaucoma May Be Getting Worse
Blood pressure and eye pressure vary independently. Controlling blood pressure does not mean IOP is controlled. But studies have shown that patients with high blood pressure have an increased risk for glaucoma. Very high blood pressure is not good for glaucoma.
Normal eye pressure lies somewhere between 12 to 22 mmHg. Anything outside of that range indicates an eye condition.
Glaucoma and Circadian Rhythm
He recently co-authored a study that suggests poor sleep could be either a risk factor or a result of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases that elevates inner eye pressure to dangerous levels and can damage the optic nerve.
High intraocular pressure doesn't always lead directly to glaucoma. Along with other things, high IOP is considered an important risk factor for the disease.
According to a NIH study, women consuming fresh peaches and oranges in excess of two servings per week reduced their odds of developing glaucoma. Orange consumption led to 82% reduction in glaucoma development, while peaches served to cut this risk by 70% percent.
Vitamin D is particularly relevant in glaucoma, where vascular health and immune function intersect. While sunshine helps, many people, especially older adults, need a daily supplement to reach optimal levels.
Vitamin D is a nutrient the body needs, along with calcium, to build bones and keep them healthy. The body can absorb calcium only if it has enough vitamin D. Calcium is a major part of bones. Vitamin D also has many other uses in the body. It supports immune health and helps keep muscles and brain cells working.
Fluid drainage failure causes the high pressure. Your eyes constantly make a clear fluid called aqueous humor that flows in front of your eye and then drains out. Normally, an equal amount goes in and out. If the fluid doesn't leave your eye when it should, your IOP increases.
The rule of 5 is a simple rule for detecting retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) change on spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), in which a loss of 5 μm of global RNFL on a follow-up test is considered evidence of significant change when compared with the baseline.
Screen time is not considered a direct cause of glaucoma progression, but research shows that prolonged device use can temporarily increase intraocular pressure, particularly in people who already have glaucoma. These pressure increases are usually temporary and return to baseline after you stop using screens.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but African Americans over age 40, all people over age 60 and those with a family history of glaucoma or diabetes are at higher risk.
Five studies reported on the association of blood levels of vitamin D and glaucoma. In one study patients with glaucoma were reported to have lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (OR [95% CI]: 0.89 [0.80–0.99]) and higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (OR [95% CI]: 2.09 [1.06–4.12]) compared to controls [45].
While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatment can significantly slow or prevent further vision loss. Treatment options include: Medications: Prescription eye drops and oral medications can help reduce IOP by decreasing fluid production or improving drainage.