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The demands of modern life, from long work hours to the constant influx of emails, can pile up, impacting not only mental well-being but also physical health, including the eyes. 

Ocular symptoms such as burning, redness and blurred vision can be exacerbated by stress, signaling the presence of dry eye disease, which affects up to 8% of the U.S. population.

According to Dr. Darren Gregory, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, stress triggers elevated levels of inflammation in the body, which can worsen dry eye symptoms.

"The body experiences elevated levels of inflammation when you're feeling stressed, and inflammation is a factor in dry eyes," Gregory explained in an article published on the University of Colorado Anschutz website.

"In inflammation, white blood cells are recruited to the surface of the eye where they start releasing the inflammatory chemicals they produce, and this can make symptoms worse."

Factors like lack of sleep and certain medications used to manage conditions like anxiety and depression can further intensify discomfort in the eyes.

Managing dry eye symptoms can be challenging, but adopting preventive measures, such as taking breaks from screen time, using moisturizing eye drops regularly, and making environmental adjustments to minimize eye stress, can provide relief.

Gregory pointed out the importance of proactive treatment, suggesting that waiting until symptoms worsen is counterproductive. Instead, incorporating moisturizing drops into daily routines and using warm compresses to stimulate natural oil production in the eyes can help maintain eye lubrication.

"If you do a little bit of treatment more often and develop a routine, you may find that the dry eye symptoms are not as bad," Gregory said.

In addition to these practical steps, finding time to destress and relax is crucial for ocular health. Whether through activities like yoga or by limiting screen time, prioritizing self-care can make a significant difference in managing stress-related eye discomfort.