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Anxiety related vision symptoms?

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Posted 3/17/2013 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hey again,

Just wondering if anybody has experienced vision symptoms related to their anxiety? Since my anxiety flared up again badly in January, I've had some strange symptoms with my vision - it's hard to explain but I find that fluorescent light or those dim "energy saver lights" bother my eyes. In these situations, there seems to be a haze over my vision that doesn't really go away until I change environments. Sometimes things look too bright, like bright fluorescent coloured objects. Strangely, this doesn't seem to happen in natural light or when I'm outdoors. Also, I have just had a full eye exam and everything was pretty much normal, so I think this is yet another anxiety related symptom. The problem is that it has become very bothersome and I'm having trouble not thinking about it. If it's anxiety related, why can't I shut it off? Also, my GAD kicks in and I wonder if these symptoms are some type of psychosis? *sigh* It's all very frustrating.

Posted 3/17/2013 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hello RL,

From what I understand having tricks of vision is most definitely an anxiety symptom. The type of tricks vary but generally speaking they involve blurry vision, tunnel vision, and just plain thinking you saw something when there was nothing there.

Most of this can be chalked up to stress. However, if this continues to be a concern for you I would suggest you revist your eye Dr. 

Anxiety can toss us on a merry-go-round and keep on going as our anxiety increases until we get brave enough to jump off the crazy merry-go-round.

Posted 3/18/2013 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
RL,

I have had very similar experiences to the problems that you posted about!

Flourescent lighting used to be a trigger when I was having panic attacks. (as well as strong overhead lighting...even if it was incandescent.) I have read quite a few articles on the effect of flourescent lights on those who are sensitive.

I believe that vision problems are also tied into derealization as well. I have often felt that 'out of body/reality' feeling along with having fuzzy/tunnel vision.

Breathing and relaxation exercises...along with distracting one's self away from worrying about the symptoms really goes a long way in treating this problem.

Know that you are not alone, and understood here!

S.C.
Posted 3/18/2013 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies! It's funny you mention derealization or tunnel vision. I sometimes do sort of feel disconnected when this is happening. I used to have bad panic attacks years ago but don't get them very often anymore. I do remember that strange disconnected feeling and this would be somewhat similar.

It's definitely worse when I think about it. I'm trying not to - but that is part of the problem. It's hard--almost impossible for me at times--to shut off the worry. Also, I think vision in general is a big part of my anxiety since I have had inflammation in my eyes from my UC in the past. But I just had a very thorough eye exam (my optometrist is very familar with my UC history) and things looked good. So I guess I'm going to have to try to desensitize myself against this worry... easier said than done.
Posted 3/18/2013 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
Several years ago I was stopped by a police officer and he had those darn strobe lights on, I had to ask for permission to sit down and this brought on a full "prove to me your not drunk test".
I have noticed that all florescent lights and emergence vehicles drive me nuts.

Your not alone in this struggle, so take a place in the link of this human chain and we will all pull each other
through.

Larry ***
Posted 3/20/2013 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
I have the exact same problem as you, and I'm actually relieved to see this post.
My does seem to get worse with anxiety.
But I have had spots, light sensitivity, at times thinking I saw something out of the corner of my eye that was not there, and even things like seeing a bright light and then seeing the spot of the light in front of my eyes(at times a color), if that makes any sense.
I was the same way, I went to the eye doctor, and he said everything was normal.
So my mind leapt to psychosis, which does freak me out. Though others who suffer from anxiety have told me it really can be just related to high anxiety, and has nothing to do with psychosis.
It still scares me from time to time, because truthfully, going crazy is a big fear of mine with this anxiety.
And this eye stuff is new to me. But I have heard enough people now say it is an anxiety thing, so I am trying to accept it and somehow be okay with it.

Post Edited (WorriedWort10) : 3/19/2013 9:37:21 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/20/2013 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
WorriedWort,

It really is amazing how much can be caused by anxiety. I have to admit that these eye/vision symptoms are most bothersome to me right now, because I have a hard time not worrying about it, and I can't easily shut if off. But it is nice(?) to hear that others do have the same symptoms. Part of my anxiety is also about losing control/going crazy; it's amazing how many of our experiences are similar. I just wish we coud find some peace.
Posted 3/20/2013 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
Absolutely anxiety! But I understand the concern...just look at how we have been wired up to perceive individuals who 'see things'!

Have you ever watched an old cartoon, or sit-com? Often the characters who see something out of the ordinary...(think Mrs. Kravitz on 'Be-Witched' when she sees Samantha do magic)  are ridiculed, or threatened with being locked up!

Okay, it may be in the name of comedy...but it is a theme in our culture never the less.

We equate seeing things with being 'crazy'...and it simply is not so.

So rest assured that anxiety has its vision issues, and not focusing on them is the best remedy.;)

S.C.
Posted 4/2/2013 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
My vision is so foggy and hazy on a regular basis and I have never needed glasses. I have panic attacks and feel like fainting occasionally. It gets dark and foggy, scary when your driving!!!!
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