Over half of Brits unaware of impact stress has on eyesight, experts warn this National Stress Awareness Month

As stress levels continue to rise across the UK, experts are warning that the impact goes far beyond mental wellbeing, with our eyes increasingly feeling the strain.

Research from Optical Express found that more than half of Brits (58%) are unaware that stress can directly affect their eye health, as the physical impact continues to go unnoticed.

With 91% of UK adults experiencing high or extreme stress at some point over the past year, experts are urging the public to pay close attention to the physical warning signs, including those affecting vision.

Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, says there are several ways stress can take its toll on our eyesight:

“When we’re stressed, the body activates its fight or flight response. This causes the pupil to dilate and places extra pressure on the delicate muscles that control eye movement. Over time, this can lead to discomfort, blurred vision and even headaches, all of which can impact daily life.

“When stress becomes frequent or prolonged, it can begin to affect the eyes in a number of ways. People may experience increased eye strain, particularly with excessive screen use, as well as blurred vision, sensitivity to light or floaters in their vision during periods of heightened stress.

“Stress can also disrupt the natural tear balance, leading to dry or watery eyes, while fatigue and anxiety may trigger eye twitching.

“These symptoms are often overlooked or attributed to other causes, but they can be an early warning sign that the body is under sustained pressure.”

For many, ongoing visual frustrations such as reliance on glasses or contact lenses can add to daily stress, particularly in busy, screen-heavy lifestyles. Vision correction surgery offers a long-term solution, providing visual freedom that can help reduce these everyday pressures and improve overall quality of life.

As the UK’s leading provider of private vision correction, Optical Express undertakes in excess of 60% of all premium pay procedures performed today and has more 5-star reviews on Trustpilot than any other provider offering the same service. For those seeking vision correction surgery, whether this be laser eye surgery procedures such as LASIK, presbyopia-correcting full range of vision lens replacement, or private cataract surgery, Optical Express is the provider of choice.

Ahead of National Stress Awareness Month this April, Dr Hannan has shared practical steps to help reduce the impact of stress on your eyes:

1. Use relaxation techniques
Simple techniques such as breathing exercises, gentle stretching or short walks can help regulate the nervous system. This reduces overall tension in the body, including the small muscles around the eyes that can become strained during periods of stress.

2. Prioritise rest and hydration
Sleep plays a vital role in allowing the eyes to recover from daily strain, while staying hydrated helps maintain a healthy tear film. Aim for consistent rest and drink plenty of water throughout the day to alleviate dryness, irritation and fatigue.

3. Take regular screen breaks
Extended screen time can intensify eye discomfort. Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds – to give your eyes a chance to rest and reset.

4. Book regular eye tests
Routine eye examinations can help detect early signs of stress-related changes and prevent longer-term issues, allowing for timely treatment and advice.

Dr Hannan adds: “With many of us balancing long working hours, screen exposure and daily pressure, it’s no surprise that these can have a cumulative effect on our eyes.

“If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort or changes in your vision, it’s important not to ignore it. Seeking professional advice can help identify the cause and prevent issues from worsening over time.”

Optical Express is encouraging people across the UK to use National Stress Awareness Month as a reminder to prioritise their eye health and vision correction. Anyone experiencing stress-related symptoms is advised to book an eye examination to ensure any underlying issues are identified and managed early.