How stress affects your eyesight

Published: June 27, 2016
Last reviewed by: Leightons Clinical Team
Last reviewed: February 02, 2026

In today’s fast moving, hyper-connected world, hardly anyone is a stranger to stress. Whether it’s work-related issues or in your personal life, stress has become a constant companion for many people. Stress is directly linked with conditions such as heart diseases, diabetes, depression etc. However, it is not widely recognised that stress can impact your eyesight as well.

Stress and your eyesight

  • Many people experience a twitch in the eye when they are stressed. This occurs when the tissues and muscles around the eye move involuntarily. While eye twitch is not a serious condition, it can certainly be annoying and can interrupt your concentration at work.
  • Work-related stress can be due to tight deadlines and other pressures, exacerbated by long hours staring at computer screens combined with a lack of sleep. This is the perfect recipe for eyestrain and potentially even computer vision syndrome (CVS). This can manifest as severe headaches, redness in the eyes, irritated or watery eyes and blurry vision.
  • High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the earliest side effects of stress. When your blood pressure goes up, blood vessels in the eye can leak, which can lead to a loss of vision.

What you can do

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate stress from your life, it is possible to manage it to help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some stress-busting tips:

  • Take a break – from what’s causing the stress. Sometimes a short holiday or just putting some distance between you and the stressor can work wonders
  • Use the 20-20-20 rule – if you work at a computer, rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking 20 metres away for 20 seconds, and blink 20 times to help prevent your eyes drying out
  • Exercise regularly – the endorphins released during physical activities are beneficial for your mental wellbeing
  • Meditate – this helps the body to relax and release emotions that cause stress
  • Get enough sleep – rest is the best cure to most stress-related symptoms
  • Get social – friends and family can give you that much-needed social support when you’re stressed

Regular eye tests

Apart from stress management techniques, a regular eye test will also help make sure that your eye health is not getting adversely affected by stress. At Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care, we not only carry out a comprehensive eye test but can also offer a thorough lifestyle assessment.

Visit one of our branches and experience a warm, friendly and welcoming service. Our staff will put you at ease and answer any questions you may have. A complete eye examination takes about 30-45 minutes.

We also offer an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan, which is like an ultrasound for the eye. It can detect early signs of many eye-related problems and even symptoms of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular ailments.

So book an eye test with Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care and let us help you to protect your eyes against stress. Visit one of our branches, call us on 0800 40 20 20 or book an appointment online today.

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What the Government’s road safety proposals could mean for your eyesight
What the Government’s road safety proposals could mean for your eyesight
In January 2026, the UK Government published proposals as part of its Road Safety Strategy, including a consultation on whether drivers aged 70+ should have mandatory eyesight checks. Nothing has changed yet. This is a consultation, which means the Government is asking for views before deciding what happens next. Still, it is a useful reminder that good vision is a key part of safer driving, for you and everyone around you. If you want reassurance about your eyesight for driving, we can help. Book an eye test What’s being proposed for drivers aged 70+? The Government is consulting on the idea of introducing regular eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over as part of licence renewal. The aim is to reduce risk linked to age-related changes such as: gradual changes in sharpness of vision reduced contrast sensitivity (seeing clearly in low light) greater sensitivity to glare slower reaction times and other health factors that can affect driving Key point: These are proposals, not new rules. No extra testing has been introduced at this stage. Driving eyesight standards: what applies right now? Current legal eyesight standards still apply to all drivers, whatever your age. The Road Safety Strategy proposals also reinforce increased use of roadside eyesight checks by police. If a driver fails a roadside eyesight test, the DVLA may take action, including removing a licence. If you are unsure whether you meet the standard, an eye examination is the simplest way to check and get clear advice. Check my vision for driving Struggling with glare at night? You’re not alone The proposals also highlight research showing many drivers have reduced or stopped night driving due to headlamp glare, with brighter LED headlights and taller vehicles thought to contribute. If night driving feels harder than it used to, it could be down to: a change in your prescription early lens changes in the eye dry eye glare sensitivity or reduced contrast An eye test can help identify what is going on, and we can talk through practical options such as lens choices and coatings designed to improve comfort when driving at night. Why regular eye tests matter more as we get older Vision changes can be subtle, and many people adapt without realising their eyesight has dropped below what is comfortable or safe for driving. A routine eye test helps you: stay confident behind the wheel spot changes early keep your prescription up to date get tailored advice if you drive at night or in poor weather If you’re 70+, we recommend keeping your eye tests regular, even if your vision feels “fine”. How Leightons can help At Leightons, our focus is simple: helping you see clearly and stay confident in everyday life, including on the road. With an eye test, you will get: a professional check of your vision and eye health clear, practical advice about your vision for driving support if you have concerns about glare, night driving, or changing eyesight
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