"Stress and Vision"

by Sharon Hicks

 

Published: 2006. Yoga Living Magazine, Vol. VIII, Issue 1.

The connection between stress and vision is really quite vast. Stress and vision are not only inseparable from each other but each is inseparable from our overall responses: emotionally, mentally, physically, physiologically and functionally.

Made of specialized brain cells, the eyes are an extension of the brain. The visual system is intimately connected with the nervous system and endocrine system by way of the eyes which through the light receptors of the retinas send electrical messages not only to the visual cortex but also to the hypothalamus and pineal glands.

Eyesight is just one of the aspects of vision. Optimum vision simultaneously integrates central and peripheral vision with eye teaming while effortlessly focusing at any distance, during eye shifting, tracking, or scanning. Vision is learned. It allows us awareness of space, and balance against the pull of gravity. Finally vision is a process arriving at meaning. Perception is an emergent of an adequately developed sensory-motor system (with visual-motor-perceptual capacities being the last and most complex sensory- motor development).

Perception is inseparable from the stress response. What we perceive and how we handle any given situation involves the whole person. While key life experiences and major events can have a greater impact on us than everyday events, all life's interactions can be stressors. A stress response begins when we perceive any stimulus as overwhelming or as a threat.

The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) initiates the stress response, also known as the fight or flight response. The sympathetic responds during arousal, exercise and whenever we stand up. A prolonged state of arousal, with the sympathetic system engaged, can lead to adrenal exhaustion and fatigue. Chronic pupil dilation and light sensitivity are indications of a system that is sympathetic dominant. If a pupil does not hold a contraction when light shines toward it, this indicates arousal or over stimulation of the adrenals.

Effects of Stress -- Sympathetic Nervous System Responses:

• Release of adrenaline
• Inhibition of digestion
• Rapid heart rate
• Shallow breathing
  
• Muscle tension
• Contraction of arteries (raises blood pressure)
  
• Constipation
• Increased blood sugar
  
• Dry nose, throat and mouth
  
• Dry eyes
  
• Pupil dilation
  
• Protrusion of eye balls
  
• Intra-ocular pressure (can lead to glaucoma)
  
• Lowered accommodation (focusing abilities)
  
• Increased exophoria reflex (eyes diverge)
  
• Avoidance behavior
  
• Defensive behavior

  
  When we lie down the parasympathetic branch of the ANS is engaged. The parasympathetic system's responses are opposite to those of the sympathetic system. The parasympathetic is known for the rest and digest response. Stress reduction should include relaxation techniques in order to activate the parasympathetic. The parasympathetic stimulates our vital life functions. When we do not take time to rest, the sympathetic system may dominate.
  
  

  The parasympathetic branch of the ANS enhances our ability to converge our eyes at various distances, especially at near. The skill of convergence allows us to point both eyes at the same place at the same time during near point tasks such as reading, writing and computer work. When a person's system is sympathetic dominant there will be difficulty with convergence. The person may make adaptations such as alternating eyes, suppressing or compressing part of their visual field. The adaptation of using one eye for near and the other eye for the distance can set up an imbalance in the nervous system and cause more stress.

  
  The parasympathetic is also needed for accommodation. Just as a camera changes focal length at different distances, so do the eyes. Eyes should refocus every time they are moved. Blurriness can cause more stress. Stress reduction and vision training procedures can increase clarity.

  
  A person with convergence and accommodation difficulties may perceive computer work and other near point tasks as stressors. If they persevere with the tasks while in distress, they may experience headaches, loss of concentration, and fatigue. With today's computer oriented lifestyle, computer vision syndrome is becoming quite common.

  
  Symptoms of Computer Stress
  
  
• Dry, burning or itching eyes
• Lowered ability to focus
• Reduced peripheral vision
  
• Headaches
• Body tension including neck, shoulder and backaches
  
• Hand cramps, stiff or sore wrists
• Fatigue
  
• Lowered frustration levels
• Lowered concentration and attention span
  
• Dizziness, nausea and depression

During childhood sometimes visual stress occurs when an inadequately developed visual system is asked to perform in the school setting. Nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism can develop as a way to cope. Other times, when unable to team the two eyes together, eyes may turn in or out, or dependency on one eye will occur. Trouble with visual processing will result when visual skills are not up to par. In cases where attending to visual tasks is difficult, attention deficits or learning difficulties may exist too.

What is needed for both vision and wellness is a balanced nervous system. In my holistic practice I offer a form of light therapy called syntonics (named from the word syntony which means "to bring into balance.") Syntonics has been used since the 1920s by functional optometrists and other wellness practitioners to balance the nervous system, endocrine system and visual system. It has successfully treated visual dysfunctions, adrenal exhaustion, depression and more. Deep breathing, Yoga, Reiki and other forms of relaxation can stimulate a parasympathetic response. Vision training utilizes relaxation procedures such as breathing and palming along with practices to enhance visual skills for children and adults. But most exciting to me is that when vision is enhanced through natural experiential processes, it is the whole person that changes-- perceptions, habits and responses.

 

Acknowledgements:

Edelman, E.S., personal communications, 2002-2006
Forrest, E.B. (1988). Stress and Vision, Santa Ana, CA: Optometric Extension Program.
Selye, H. (1956, 1976).The Stress of Life, revised ed., New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

 

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