Mental health and its hidden impact on eye health

Vision care professionals are often the first to spot systemic health issues. One area that’s easy to overlook is the link between mental health and vision. Understanding this connection helps you provide more holistic care and improve patient outcomes.

How mental health affects vision

Stress, anxiety and depression can affect the eyes in surprising ways. Common symptoms include:

• Blurry vision
• Eye strain or twitching
• Light sensitivity
• Headaches
• Dry eyes or excessive tearing

Chronic stress can raise cortisol levels and intraocular pressure¹, which may contribute to:

• Glaucoma
• Optic neuropathy
• Age-related macular degeneration 

Vision impairment isn’t just physical — it affects emotional well-being:

• 1 in 4 adults with vision loss experiences clinically significant anxiety or depression²
• Older adults with visual impairment are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than their sighted peers²
• Social isolation is 50% more common among those with vision impairment, increasing the risk of loneliness and emotional decline²

What you can do

Your role goes beyond diagnosing eye conditions — you’re a vital ally in your patients’ overall well-being. Consider these steps:

• Screen for emotional distress during exams, especially in patients with new or progressive vision loss
• Refer patients to mental health professionals or low vision rehabilitation programs when appropriate
• Educate patients on stress-reducing habits like mindfulness and exercise
• Promote assistive technology and accessibility tools to boost independence and confidence³

By recognizing the correlation between mental and visual health, you can help patients see more clearly — both physically and emotionally.