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Svjetlost is the leading ophthalmology Clinic in the Southeastern Europe, offering complete ophthalmic services.

Do you know how low vision is associated with stress?

Do you know how low vision is associated with stress?
Stress can have an impact on worsening vision. It has been shown that exposure to increased levels of stress can lead to central serous retinopathy. Young men under chronic stress are more prone to that disease.
Stress causes many health problems and is usually “guilty” in cases where there is no other clear explanation for the onset of an illness. Nevertheless, everyone can confirm from their own experience that stress is not comfortable and should be avoided as much as possible.

Stress-induced illnesses

Some diseases are really associated with stress, including skin changes such as acne or psoriasis, then digestive problems in all possible forms, and cardiovascular diseases and malignant diseases.

Stress and vision

Stress can have an impact on worsening vision. It has been shown that exposure to increased levels of stress can lead to central serous retinopathy – a disease characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the centre of the ocular background  in yellow spot. Young men under chronic stress are more prone to that disease.

Symptoms of central serous retinopathy

The symptoms are usually very characteristic - the appearance of round spot in central part of the visual field that is constantly in the same place. Patients also describe that they see a distorted picture which can be cut back and dimmed. This becomes an obstacle in reading, driving and other activities requiring good vision. To confirm this diagnosis, it is advisable to do an OCT search. At the Special Ophthalmology Hospital Svjetlost, we have the most modern OCT (Swept source OCT) which allows high resolution images and better recording depth. This also makes it easier to track the disease by simply comparing the images during the disease monitoring.

Course of disease

This disease may occur spontaneously, but can also take a long time, and it is advised to use non-invasive therapy (drops and diuretic tablets). Even despite the therapy, this condition may take several months. If it lasts for more than six months, then it is chronic form of the disease and then other, more intensive forms of treatment should be considered. In this case laser treatment can be used, treating the place through which the fluid enters the yellow spot and thereafter rapid fluid retraction and visual improvement are achieved. There is also the possibility of treatment with injections that reduce the permeability through the blood vessels and thus stop leakage in the yellow spot. In rare cases, despite all forms of treatment, it is not entirely possible to completely retract the fluid into the yellow spot, but this is extremely rare.

Prevention Advice

The fact is that there is a cure for this disease. However, due to the long duration of the disease, its occurrence should be prevented - avoid stress. Don’t get upset about something you cannot change. Many claim that it is difficult to avoid stress, but you should try. In some cases, it is necessary to make a change in your environment to reduce stress levels. 
 
Dr. Marko Vlašić, spec. ophthalmologist