Your stress levels can affect your sleeping habits and mood swings, but did you know it can also influence your eyesight? Cortisol, the hormone released due to stress, might be a potential factor in increasing the risk of glaucoma. Age, genetics, and certain medical conditions are well-known causes, but the link between chronic stress and eye well-being is not yet widely recognised.
To learn how cortisol affects intraocular pressure and optic nerve well-being, we spoke to Dr Bhanu Praveen Naidu, Consultant – Endocrinology, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, who explained how to act proactively in safeguarding your eyesight.
Glaucoma and Its Risk Factors
Glaucoma is a condition, in which the ocular pressure rises due to one or more causes. "This can damage the optic nerve and, if left untreated, lead to vision loss. Glaucoma tends to be hereditary and may be caused by factors like increasing age, diabetes, high blood pressure, and drugs like corticosteroids," said Dr Naidu.
Corticosteroids, which are frequently prescribed for many medical ailments, can raise intraocular pressure and exacerbate or trigger glaucoma. "Patients on long-term corticosteroid treatment should have their eyes checked regularly to check for eye pressure changes and optic nerve health," added Dr Naidu.
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Cortisol and Its Impact on Eye Health
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland and is essential for life. It plays a vital role in metabolism, stress response (both acute and chronic), immune function, and blood pressure regulation. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, can be secreted in excess in response to stress, illness, lack of sleep, or diseases of the adrenal or pituitary glands.
In other instances, doctor-prescribed corticosteroids replicate cortisol function, producing too much glucocorticoid in the body. Acute elevations in cortisol levels won't produce long-term effects in most cases. "However, prolonged excessive levels, whether by endogenous production or drug intake, can cause problems like diabetes or worsening of current diabetes, thinning of bones, weight gain, skin thinning, cataracts, and elevated intraocular pressure (glaucoma)," explained Dr Naidu.
Link Between Cortisol and Glaucoma
There is a possible connection between elevated cortisol levels and glaucoma. Prolonged stress results in elevated cortisol, which indirectly raises intraocular pressure.
Cortisol release due to stress impacts the eye's blood flow and fluid movement, possibly leading to the risk of glaucoma. "Prolonged use of corticosteroids is a documented risk factor for glaucoma and also for diabetes and hypertension, which are further risk factors for the condition. Cortisol's effect on blood vessels and oxidative stress can also play a role in optic nerve damage," added Dr Naidu.
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How To Mitigate Glaucoma Risk Due To Stress
As per the Glaucoma Research Foundation, the relationship between stress and glaucoma is a multifaceted interaction of biological, psychological, and behavioural factors. Effective management of glaucoma today involves acknowledging the importance of psychological factors, which are as important as traditional medical interventions. This involves adopting measures for stress reduction, anxiety management, and emotional support.
- Since these conditions are associated with corticosteroid use, patients on this medication need to be properly screened for glaucoma regularly.
- Stress reduction, routine eye examination, and a healthy lifestyle also form useful add-ons to drug treatment for the prevention and treatment of glaucoma.
- If the excess cortisol secretion happens as a result of conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome or disease, it needs appropriate specialist assessment and management.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]