25/04/2026
Stress Awareness Month: what stress can do to your eyes 👁️
With busy routines, long workdays and increasingly screen-heavy lifestyles, we are feeling the effects of stress more than ever.
One thing that often goes unnoticed is how this can show up in our eyes. A common example is eye twitching (myokymia), something most people experience at some point, and while usually harmless, it can be a sign that the body is tired or under strain.
As Oliver Bowen-Thomas, Lead Optometrist at Optegra, explains:
"Many people are surprised to learn that stress can directly affect their eyes. One of the most common signs we see is eyelid twitching, often linked to tiredness, anxiety and excessive screen use."
We also see patients experiencing things like dry, strained or tired eyes during particularly stressful periods, often made worse by reduced blinking when we’re focused on screens.
Small changes can often help, like taking more regular breaks away from screens, making sure you’re getting enough sleep, and being mindful of overall fatigue levels.
During Stress Awareness Month, it’s a good reminder that looking after your wellbeing also means looking after their eyes. We are here to support patients with both everyday concerns and more complex eye conditions.
Learn more about how stress can impact your eye health: https://ow.ly/eiy850YNx2Y
