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Fixing vision problems related to anxiety.

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Posted 1/22/2015 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
I've been dealing with anxiety for about 2 1/2 years now. While I haven't had a panic attack in all that time and very seldom feel anxious, one of the ongoing symptoms is problems with my vision. Basically it is like each eye is working independently and not focusing together. It almost feels like being slightly crosseyed with a bit of double vision. My eyes are also more sensitive to light. The eye problems happened immediately after having to major panic attacks back to back, 2 1/2 years ago and while it's gotten a little better over that time, the problems still persist. I've had full eye scans done and everything came back normal. I'm wondering if anyone out there has experienced similar vision problem and more importantly, has anyone had their vision return to normal over time? If so, what were you able to do to return your vision to normal?
Posted 1/22/2015 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi dalves,

Just to clarify. ..you've been examined by an opthomologist to rule out any vision issues due to a physical cause?

Vision disturbances are usually associated ore with acute anxiety and panic episodes...

So I am not sure why you.would continue to struggle with this if you are currently only dealing with mild anxiety.

You could certainly try the stress relieving exercises we have in our Resources and see if that brings relief/improvement.

Have you talked with your GP about this? Sorry I am not much
help. I do hope you find your answers soon!

S.C.
Posted 1/22/2015 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for you reply. The panic attacks I had were back in 2012. I had gone to my doctor and explained my symptoms. He felt it was anxiety but ran a bunch of blood tests. All came back negative. I went to a Neurologist as well and he gave me the basic neurological tests and said there was nothing there that suggested a physical problem. I then went to an ophthalmologist and they ran full scans and found nothing wrong. I then started seeing a psychologist who has helped me with the anxiety, but the vision problems remain. I feel like I keep getting bounced back and forth but no one can tell me what is wrong. The vision problems are similar to what those with anxiety or depersonalization disorder experience, but they persist even though my anxiety is far better now. I just feel so lost and don't know how to fix it.
Posted 1/22/2015 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
Is the vision problem with you ALL the time? Or do you by any chance have more issues when watching TV?

Does one or two cocktails make it worse?

The prescription for my glasses will be changed next month to correct for a little double vision. I forgot the correct term, but the new glasses will have a bit of a curve in them to correct my issues.
Posted 1/22/2015 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
I'm curious what type of eye doctor you saw and how many of them.

I too have had vision issues. My internal med. doc said it was anxiety. 3 optometrists thought it was likely a cataract growing. Finally an ophthalmologist saw it was a macular problem and sent me on to a retina specialist.

The problem has not been corrected because I'm not ready for surgery and the trouble adjusting to it makes my anxiety sore at times.

Hope you find the answer.
Posted 1/22/2015 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
I would say it's with me most of the time. I do wear glasses and contacts. I don't notice it as much while wearing my glasses as I do wearing contacts. It is most noticeable when looking at a TV or computer monitor, in a grocery or department store, looking at headlights or taillights when driving. Not as noticeable when in a room with softer lighting. Since the panic attacks I've stopped drinking but the couple times I had a drink, it would get worse. I still have stiffness in my neck that has been an ongoing problem since the panic attacks. Its just funny that all who have checked out my eyes have found nothing wrong, and the problem started immediately after the last of my panic attacks.

We had a gas leak and a mold problem in our house when the panic attacks started. Both problems have since been fixed, but still feeling the same. I also still have some slight depersonalization or disorientation if you prefer. Basically, I feel like I've had a couple drinks when I've been sober for years.
Posted 1/22/2015 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Here's an interesting article:

www.webmd.com/eye-health/double-vision-diplopia-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment?page=3

From Page 2 that hopefully you've already been asked:

Focus on something unmoving in your field of vision -- a window or a tree.

Are the two objects side by side, or is one on top of the other? Or are they slightly diagonal? Which one is higher or lower?

Are both images clear but simply unaligned with each other? Or is one image blurry and the other clear?

Cover one eye, then uncover it and cover the other. Does covering either eye make the double vision go away?

Pretend your field of vision is a clock face. Move your eyes around the clock, from noon to six and up to 12 again. Is your double vision worse at any clock position? Does any position make your double vision improve?

Tilt your head to the right, then to the left. Do any of these positions improve the double vision, or make it worse?
Posted 2/13/2018 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
I signed up for this site because of dalves post. You are describing exactly what has happened to my son following a panic attack. It is 2 months later and the vision symptoms you've described are still present. I realize this post is 3 years old, but can you please tell me if you have found relief.
Posted 2/14/2018 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
I had many episodes of fuzzy and blurred vision while in anxiety state. I returned to normal
Posted 2/14/2018 8:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dalves,

I have vision issues as well.I had them since being on meds for anxiety so linked meds to it.I have trouble reading and far objects as well many times.

But some times its fine.

I was on drug for lupus so blamed it for that.

Planning to go to optometrist soon.
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