Stress can exacerbate many physical ailments, even those in and around the eyes, causing dry eye syndrome. Eyelid issues and dry eye are rapidly increasing over the past year and a half. There are many reasons, including lack of care due to postponed office visits, increased digital device use, noncompliance with medications and treatment protocols simply due to avoidance and mask use. The biggest reason is stress.
Impact of stress on dry eyes
The stress hormone cortisol constricts blood vessels, which means less blood and nutrients are delivered to your extremities, include the eyes. The result is chronic dry eyes. This dry eye condition leads to blepharitis ( inflammation of the eyelids), clogged meibomian oil glands on eyelids (MGD). Your eyes are red, irritated, tired, sandy-gritty, light sensitivity, and even watery eyes.
Impact of stress on our skin and immunity
People are under more stress than ever. Stress can significantly exacerbate many skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne, hives, eczema, fever blisters, skin rashes, eczema, rosacea, and more.
When we are under stress, our body releases stress hormones, one of which is cortisol. Cortisol can then increase the skin’s oil production, which results in the worsening of problematic skin conditions. Stress can also trigger an autoimmune reaction in the body.
The mind-skin connection makes all the sense in the world. At least 30% of all dermatology patients have some underlying psychological problems. That often goes unaddressed on an initial visit. When addressed, it can have a very positive and powerful impact in improving the skin condition.
The recommendations for temporary stress are continuing their daily skincare regiment, sleeping 8 hours daily, exercising, and eating right. However, if the problem is more long-term, people appreciate the reminder that their medical condition is real and treatable.
Reducing stress could have a tremendous impact as well. The normal eyelid and ocular hygiene protocols we advise of daily foam cleanser, preservative-free rewetting drops, and nutraceuticals are very important. However, it is also essential to focus on the things we are neglecting now during the pandemic.
Recommendations on how to reduce stress
Here are some recommended ways to reduce stress.
- Eat and drink to optimize your health. Simply focusing on what you put or don’t put into your body will help you feel more in control of your outcomes.
- Sleep to detoxify- The brain/body needs a good quantity and quality of Sleep to detoxify. Sleep allows your body to regenerate the next day. When you think about rest in this way, it makes you realize the importance of making time for Sleep. His recommendation was a minimum of 7 hours of Sleep with 2 hours pre-sleep time free of digital devices.
- Exercise regularly. Scheduling time for exercise is the only way to make sure it happens. A good friend of mine has a habit of going for a walk whenever she is on the phone. Have your headphones ready and walk while you talk.
- Examine your values and live by them. There is nothing more stressful than living in a situation that goes against your values. Be true to yourself, and you will sleep better and live better and love better (which is very important to all of us).
The conversation around stress and outcomes is valuable and vital to maintain our eye health.
Primarily to reduce the incidences of chronic dry eyes, blepharitis, MGD, and more. The knowledge and affirmation that the medical problem people are experiencing are real. They aren’t the only ones trying to manage the stress so they can manage their health.
How can TheraLife Help?
Thera Life Eye capsules is an oral dry eye treatment that revives and restores tear functions from inside out. In other words, get your blood flowing again. It is all-natural. Because it is all-natural, there are fewer side effects.
Complete Oral Dry Eye Treatment
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