Can Stress Cause High Eye Pressure?

by Aug 8, 2025

Can Stress Cause High Eye Pressure?

Eye pressure, known medically as intraocular pressure (IOP), is the fluid pressure inside the eye. Maintaining a normal range of eye pressure is essential for eye health and clear vision. Elevated eye pressure can damage the optic nerve and is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Many people ask if stress can cause high eye pressure and whether managing stress can help protect their vision.

 

Understanding Intraocular Pressure

Intraocular pressure results from the balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, a clear fluid that nourishes the eye and maintains its shape. Normally, the fluid drains through a mesh-like drainage system called the trabecular meshwork. When drainage is impaired or fluid production is excessive, eye pressure rises. 

Elevated eye pressure alone does not always mean glaucoma, but it increases the risk of optic nerve damage. Regular eye exams measure IOP to monitor eye health.

 

How Stress Affects the Body

Stress is a natural physiological response to perceived threats or demands, triggering the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and various organ systems. 

Chronic or acute stress can influence various aspects of health, including cardiovascular function and immune responses.

 

The Link Between Stress and Eye Pressure: Can Stress Cause High Eye Pressure and Why It Matters

Research shows that acute stress can cause temporary fluctuations in intraocular pressure. During stressful situations, the body’s hormonal changes may alter blood flow and fluid dynamics in the eye, leading to a transient rise in eye pressure.

 

Stress-induced increases in blood pressure can also indirectly affect eye pressure. Elevated systemic blood pressure may reduce drainage efficiency or impact ocular blood vessels involved in fluid regulation. 

These effects are usually short-lived and may return to baseline once the stressor resolves.

 

Evidence from Studies

Several studies have investigated the connection between stress and IOP fluctuations. Some found that acute stress or anxiety increases eye pressure modestly for short durations. 

However, the impact of long-term psychological stress on sustained IOP elevation remains unclear. Chronic stress may contribute indirectly through poor health behaviors affecting blood pressure and systemic inflammation. 

While stress can cause temporary pressure spikes, it is not established as a primary cause of sustained high eye pressure or glaucoma.

 

Implications for Glaucoma Patients

For patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, stress-induced IOP fluctuations can potentially contribute to optic nerve damage over time if not managed. Minimizing stress may support stable eye pressure control. 

Stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, and adequate sleep benefit overall well-being and may indirectly support eye health. 

Patients should continue prescribed glaucoma treatments consistently regardless of stress levels to maintain pressure control.

 

Can Stress Cause Glaucoma?

Chronic stress alone is not recognized as a direct cause of glaucoma. Glaucoma results from complex interactions involving genetics, eye anatomy, age, and other medical conditions. 

Nonetheless, stress-related factors like elevated blood pressure or poor medication adherence might worsen glaucoma progression.

 

Monitoring Eye Pressure During Stress

Individuals experiencing significant stress or anxiety should maintain regular eye exams to monitor intraocular pressure and optic nerve health. 

If IOP readings are variable or elevated during stressful periods, eye care providers may adjust treatment or recommend lifestyle changes.

 

Managing Stress to Protect Eye Health

Incorporating stress-reducing practices promotes general health and may help maintain stable eye pressure. Techniques include physical exercise, deep breathing, mindfulness, hobbies, and social support.

Balanced diet, hydration, and avoiding stimulants like excess caffeine also support eye and overall health.

 

When to Seek Medical Advice

If vision changes, eye pain, or persistent elevated eye pressure occur, prompt medical evaluation is necessary. 

Early diagnosis and treatment of eye pressure abnormalities reduce risk of vision loss.

 

Our eye doctors at Wilmington Family Eye Care in Wilmington, DE excel in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrists at 302-299-1286 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to learn more about topics like can stress cause high eye pressure and how it may affect your vision. Our eye doctors, Drs. Daniel Baruffi, Amy Quan, and Joseph Goldberg provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Wilmington, Delaware and its surrounding areas.

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