Congestive Heart Failure: Symptoms, Stages & Treatment
Can High Cortisol Increase The Risk Of Glaucoma Here's What You Should Know
Your stress levels can affect your sleeping habits and mood swings, but did you know it can also influence your eyesight? Cortisol, the hormone released due to stress, might be a potential factor in increasing the risk of glaucoma. Age, genetics, and certain medical conditions are well-known causes, but the link between chronic stress and eye well-being is not yet widely recognised.
To learn how cortisol affects intraocular pressure and optic nerve well-being, we spoke to Dr Bhanu Praveen Naidu, Consultant – Endocrinology, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, who explained how to act proactively in safeguarding your eyesight.
Glaucoma and Its Risk FactorsGlaucoma is a condition, in which the ocular pressure rises due to one or more causes. "This can damage the optic nerve and, if left untreated, lead to vision loss. Glaucoma tends to be hereditary and may be caused by factors like increasing age, diabetes, high blood pressure, and drugs like corticosteroids," said Dr Naidu.
Corticosteroids, which are frequently prescribed for many medical ailments, can raise intraocular pressure and exacerbate or trigger glaucoma. "Patients on long-term corticosteroid treatment should have their eyes checked regularly to check for eye pressure changes and optic nerve health," added Dr Naidu.
Also Read: Ageing and Vision: Expert Explains How Our Eyes Change As We Age
Cortisol and Its Impact on Eye HealthCortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland and is essential for life. It plays a vital role in metabolism, stress response (both acute and chronic), immune function, and blood pressure regulation. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, can be secreted in excess in response to stress, illness, lack of sleep, or diseases of the adrenal or pituitary glands.
In other instances, doctor-prescribed corticosteroids replicate cortisol function, producing too much glucocorticoid in the body. Acute elevations in cortisol levels won't produce long-term effects in most cases. "However, prolonged excessive levels, whether by endogenous production or drug intake, can cause problems like diabetes or worsening of current diabetes, thinning of bones, weight gain, skin thinning, cataracts, and elevated intraocular pressure (glaucoma)," explained Dr Naidu.
Link Between Cortisol and GlaucomaThere is a possible connection between elevated cortisol levels and glaucoma. Prolonged stress results in elevated cortisol, which indirectly raises intraocular pressure.
Cortisol release due to stress impacts the eye's blood flow and fluid movement, possibly leading to the risk of glaucoma. "Prolonged use of corticosteroids is a documented risk factor for glaucoma and also for diabetes and hypertension, which are further risk factors for the condition. Cortisol's effect on blood vessels and oxidative stress can also play a role in optic nerve damage," added Dr Naidu.
Also Read: What Is Trabeculectomy Glaucoma Surgery? How Many Years Does It Last?
How To Mitigate Glaucoma Risk Due To StressAs per the Glaucoma Research Foundation, the relationship between stress and glaucoma is a multifaceted interaction of biological, psychological, and behavioural factors. Effective management of glaucoma today involves acknowledging the importance of psychological factors, which are as important as traditional medical interventions. This involves adopting measures for stress reduction, anxiety management, and emotional support.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Could A Common Blood Pressure Drug Increase The Risk Of Vision Loss?
A recent study has raised concerns about a widely used blood pressure medication called Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs). Researchers found that people taking CCBs might have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated.
The study, led by Dr. Alan Kastner at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London, looked at the health records of over 427,000 adults in the UK. Among them, 33,175 people were taking CCBs. After adjusting for factors like age, lifestyle, and other health conditions, researchers found that people on CCBs were more likely to be diagnosed with glaucoma.
This finding is particularly important because it was only seen with CCBs—not with other types of blood pressure medication. Even more surprisingly, people on CCBs showed early signs of glaucoma, even though their eye pressure was normal.
Glaucoma usually happens when pressure builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve. However, this study suggests that CCBs may affect the eyes in a different way that doctors don't yet understand.
High blood pressure and glaucoma both develop silently, meaning they often go unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. This possible link between CCBs and glaucoma is worrying because people taking the medication might not realize their eyes are at risk.
Dr. Kastner and his team believe more research is needed to fully understand how CCBs might contribute to glaucoma. In the meantime, anyone taking CCBs should talk to their doctor about this study. It's important to weigh the benefits of controlling blood pressure against the possible risks to eye health.
While this study provides valuable information, further investigation is necessary. Some researchers involved have ties to the pharmaceutical industry, which means their findings should be examined carefully.
However, the results, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, highlight the importance of being aware of medication side effects. People concerned about their eye health should have regular check-ups and discuss any concerns with their doctor. Staying informed about the medications they take can help them make the best decisions for their overall health.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about blood pressure drug that may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and these teas could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about nutrient that could strongly lower high blood pressure, and results showing this novel antioxidant may help reverse blood vessels aging by 20 years.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
Beyond Vision: How Comprehensive Eye Exams Reveal Hidden Health Issues
Share
Share
Share
Our eyes are among the most vital organs of the body. They play a significant role in our day-to-day lives. This is why we must always ensure that they are in perfect condition. How can you ensure this, though?- through comprehensive eye exams.
A comprehensive eye exam helps to assess one's visual system and the health of their eyes. It involves a whole lot of different tests. Unlike vision screening, which only assesses a patient's vision, a comprehensive eye exam involves several tests to assess eye vision and overall health completely. Comprehensive eye exam benefits go beyond vision.
Comprehensive eye exams at EuroEyes can also reveal hidden health issues. This is important, especially if these health issues are revealed in their initial stages. It can be easy to treat them and prevent them from escalating.
In this blog, we discuss how an eye exam can help reveal hidden health issues by highlighting these health issues that can be revealed. Let's get started!
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases that can be detected through eye exams. Diabetic retinopathy is a very common eye condition where high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. It is often considered an early sign of diabetes.
A comprehensive eye exam can help reveal if one has diabetes. Early detection can make it easier to manage the condition better and help prevent serious complications, such as blindness.
A comprehensive eye exam can also help to detect hypertension or high blood pressure. Blood vessels can also experience abnormalities such as narrowing or bleeding in the retina. All these are indications of high blood pressure. A comprehensive eye exam can help reveal these signs early, prompting patients to seek medical attention and take preventive measures to minimize the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Another health issue that a comprehensive eye check can help reveal early is neurological disorders. The optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain can give clues about neurological health. In most cases, conditions such as brain tumors, Multiple sclerosis [MS], and strokes usually manifest through changes in the optic nerve. Papilledema, or the swelling of the optic nerve, can be a sign of increased pressure in the brain, which a brain tumor or any other serious medical issue may cause. However, early detection through eye screening can go a long way in reducing these risks and issues.
Why regular eye exams are crucial
We often wait until something happens to our eyes before we schedule comprehensive eye exams. But this shouldn't be the case, regular comprehensive eye tests are crucial for not only maintaining optimal vision but also for our overall health. The conditions mentioned above usually don't present noticeable symptoms in their early stages. This is why routine comprehensive eye exams are crucial, as they can promote not just early detection but timely treatment, too.
Wrapping it up
Your eyes do more than allow you to see your surroundings; they can also provide in-depth insights into your overall health. And you can achieve that through a comprehensive eye exam. So take a proactive step in maintaining your well-being by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam today at EuroEyes.
Comments
Post a Comment