The relationship between cortisol and glaucoma is convoluted and indirect. Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which optic nerve damage occurs due to an increase in the pressure in the eye. It leads to irreversible vision loss if not diagnosed early and managed aggressively.
Glaucoma has remained a significant focus of research in ophthalmology due to its substantial effect on patient vision and lifestyle. Research has highlighted the potential link between stress and anxiety (and therefore raised cortisol levels) and the development and progression of glaucoma. Dr. Hasanain Shikari, Consultant Ophthalmologist & Retina Specialist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, Former Fellow, Harvard Medical School, Boston shares all you need to know:
Studies have demonstrated that, as a response to the stress induced increase in hormones such as cortisol, in addition to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, there is also an increase in eye pressure, which is a key risk factor in glaucoma. Since raised, uncontrolled or fluctuating eye pressure is responsible for progressive optic nerve damage in glaucoma; stress responses (demonstrated by raised cortisol levels) can also cause progression of the disease.
Additionally, higher anxiety levels and chronic stress may lead to poor sleep patterns and unhealthy lifestyle choices, which can worsen optic nerve damage in glaucoma, resulting in progressive vision loss. This is compounded by the psychological burden and stress caused by living with glaucoma and the constant fear of losing one’s eye sight that can create a self- sustaining loop of worsening stress and eye health. Poor sleep can increase the eye pressure. Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diet, physical inactivity, increased alcohol consumption and non-adherence to glaucoma medications, which are behavioral factors associated with chronic stress can affect the blood flow to the optic nerve, leading to glaucoma progression.
Effectively managing stress and thereby controlling cortisol levels will help in managing glaucoma and prevent its progression. Meditation, regular exercise, yoga and seeking psychological support coupled with regular eye checks and compliance with treatment plans, are some strategies towards maintaining good eyesight. Coupled with reduction in smoking, alcohol consumption and consuming a healthy diet.
