How does stress affect your vision? A recent study finds stress is related to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), has been found to lead to optic nerve damage, which leads to the most common form of glaucoma, primary-open angle glaucoma (POAG). In most cases, it goes undetected in individuals, before threatening their vision.
“Published in the Journal of Glaucoma, a new study describes how only a short course of mindfulness-based stress reduction by meditation reduced intraocular pressure (IOP), normalized stress biomarkers and positively modified gene expression in patients with primary-open angle glaucoma (POAG),” according to American Optometric Association. “Such findings beg further study but provide tantalizing insight about a therapeutic option that may accompany tried-and-true pharmaceuticals, as well as hint at the role stress may play in glaucoma.”
Early intervention is vital, since we are not able to prevent glaucoma. Once any amount of sight is lost, it is lost for good. Taking medication to lower intraocular pressure and meditation, may help prevent irreversible damage to the ocular nerve.
“Though (relaxation response) evoked by mind-body interventions is known to reduce stress and ameliorate a multitude of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, here we report, for the first time, confirmatory evidence of the therapeutic effect of Mindful Meditation in POAG,” authors of the study write. “Mental or ‘psychological’ stress are known to be associated with IOP elevation, and in those who already have glaucoma, stress raises IOP even further. Mental stress may thus play a key role in acceleration of glaucoma pathogenesis and aggravation of its severity.”
The leading cause of preventable blindness is Glaucoma, in the United States over 3 million people have glaucoma. By the year 2030 the National Eye Institute estimates glaucoma will increase 58 percent, that adds up to 4.2 million people with glaucoma. According to experts, many people don’t realize they have it because there isn’t any pain or symptoms in the early stages.
Glaucoma is also known as ‘the sneak thief of sight’ because there are very few symptoms. Without even noticing, a person can lose up to 40% of their vision, once your vision is lost, it’s gone for good.
Glaucoma is caused by optic nerve damage. This nerve is responsible for taking the images from the eye and relays them to the brain. It acts like millions of wires in an electric cable.
It is important to take preventive measures. When was the last time you or your family had a comprehensive eye exam? After all, it is the best defense in catching eye issues in the early stages. Contact Lake Nona for an appointment today.