Psychological stress is a common condition in daily life, and it has multiple effects on the body, including the eye and its visual functions. Recent studies indicate a clear relationship between an individual’s mental state and eye health as well as visual performance. 1. Effects of Psychological Stress on Vision Psychological stress can lead to temporary visual disturbances, such as: • Blurred vision: due to constriction of blood vessels in the eye. • Dry eye: as stress reduces tear production during prolonged exposure to pressure. • Light sensitivity: increased nervous tension can make the eyes more sensitive to light. 2. Psychological Stress and Eye Disorders Chronic psychological stress contributes to the worsening of certain eye-related medical conditions, including: • Migraine and eye-related headaches: stress causes tension in the muscles of the head and eyes, leading to recurrent headaches. • Temporary increase in intraocular pressure: stress may temporarily raise eye pressure, which is risky for those predisposed to glaucoma. • Impact on night vision: chronic stress may reduce the eye’s ability to adapt to low-light conditions. 3. Mechanisms of Effect The eye is affected by psychological stress through several mechanisms, most notably: • Hormonal response: elevated stress hormones, such as cortisol, affect blood vessels and the retina. • Neurological response: stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing pupil constriction and eye muscle tension. • Behavioral changes: such as lack of sleep and increased screen use, which exacerbate eye strain. 4. Prevention and Management To reduce the impact of psychological stress on the eyes, the following measures can be adopted: • Visual relaxation exercises: such as moving the eyes in all directions or using the 20-20-20 rule during screen use. • Adequate sleep: which helps restore normal eye function. • Stress management: through breathing exercises, yoga, or psychological counseling when needed. • Regular eye examinations: especially for those with high intraocular pressure or pre-existing visual disorders. Conclusion Psychological stress affects not only general health but also has direct and indirect impacts on the eye and its visual functions. Awareness of its symptoms, preventive measures, and relaxation techniques can reduce its complications and help maintain eye health and visual quality. University of Al-Mustaqbal – The First and Leading Private University