Does loss of vision cause too much stress?

Can psychological stress lead to vision loss?

The health consequences of high levels of stress are extremely varied. Many people are well aware of the possible badociation 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 correlation with vision loss.

This stress can lead to vision loss is a very surprising correlation. Until now, it has only been known that loss of vision in people with MS sometimes causes considerable stress. Now, the research team led by Professor Bernhard Sabel, director of the Institute of Medical Psychology at the University of Magdeburg, has discovered that stress itself has a direct effect on vision . As a result, patients may find themselves in a vicious circle of decreasing vision, increased stress, deteriorating vision, and increased stress levels.

Psychosomatic Component of Vision Loss

For their study, researchers evaluated the results of hundreds of existing studies and clinical reports on the relationship between stress and eye diseases. "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 neuropathy. optical". Published in the journal "EPMA Journal"

Eyes and the brain involved in vision loss

According to the expert, "the continuous and long-term stress of high levels of cortisol can harm the patient. eye and brain because the autonomic nervous system is unbalanced, blood vessels are deregulated and intraocular pressure increases. "So, both the eye and the brain are involved in vision loss. This fact is often overlooked by referring physicians and has not been systematically documented in the medical literature.

Impact on Clinical Practice

Although many people suspect that psychological stress is related to their vision loss, the relationship has changed The study authors explain that stress, vision loss and the restoration of vision have been insufficiently studied. In this study, a clear link has now been established. "The impact of this discovery on clinical practice is considerable," according to the statement from the University of Magdeburg on the results of the study. For example, the study authors recommend talking about stress reduction treatments during the doctor-patient interview. Some case reports in this study have shown how stress reduction can help restore vision

Physician's Behavior as a Stress Reliever

In addition, clinicians need to be aware that their behavior and their words The prognosis of vision loss can have a direct influence on the perception of the stress of the affected people, explain the experts. Many patients are told that their prognosis is bad and that they should be ready to go blind one day. "Although this is far from certain and that complete blindness almost never occurs, the resulting anxiety and anxiety will result in a twofold neurological and psychological burden with consequential consequences. physiological conditions that often aggravate the disease, "says the co-author. Muneeb Faiq, badociate professor at the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (New Delhi) and at the Faculty of Medicine of New York University

Break the vicious circle of stress and progressive loss of vision

Intraocular pressure, endothelial dysfunction (Flammer syndrome) and inflammation, which in each case may cause impairment of vision or eye damage. Professor 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 cycle of stress and progressive vision loss.

Additional therapies such as brain stimulation, relaxation, vision restoration, anxiety management, and social support will counteract stress and induce a relaxation response by rebalancing the autonomic system by reducing stress. Sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. is brought, explain the experts. At the same time, steps are being taken to increase the blood flow to the eye and thus open the window for the restoration of vision.

Holistic Approach to Eye Disorders

Scientists recommend stress reduction and relaxation techniques such as meditation, autogenic training, stress management training, psychotherapy not only as a supplement to traditional treatments of vision loss, but also as a potential prevention against the progression of vision loss, according to the university hospital. According to experts, this holistic approach to the clinical management of ocular diseases could be used much more.

Stress management among caregivers and family members

In addition, "physicians should demonstrate positive attitude and optimism and provide to their patients the information they need. especially when it comes to the importance of reducing stress, "stress the scientists, during treatment, stress management is also relevant for caregivers and family members, whose support and encouragement to a stress-free state A holistic approach to treatment could break the cycle of stress and progressive blindness

More studies are needed

Professor Sabel concludes that stress reduction should be a Complementary objective of treatment because it complements ophthalmic treatments For example, with the techniques of electrostimulation and relaxation, new opportunities are opened to improve vision in diseases such as glaucoma or nerve damage optical. "Other clinical trials will be undertaken to validate the causal role of stress in various eye disorders and to evaluate various Anti-stress therapies to prevent progression and improve vision as the basis of psychosomatic ophthalmology "Sabel and his colleagues. (Fp)