Stress and dry eye

[Julie1]

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all having good eye days. I'm just curious as to what everyone does to help relieve stress from dry eyes. I often find that I have shortness of breath and that my entire body aches after a day at work with dry eyes. I really think that my symptoms are manifestations of my anxiety and depression due to the last year of coping with dry eye. A good friend of mine suggested that exercise might help to relieve my stress. I'm going to start exercising more frequently. I wondered if anyone else have any other suggestions that might help.

Thanks, Julie

[AccutaneJay]

Julie, I can completely relate!

The stress, axiety, and depression induced by my dry eye symptoms usually gets me soo tense and uptight that I fail to stop and breath regularly, which I feel greatly attributes to my stress level. I notice that at its worst, I usually will be breathing very shallow and quickly. I think it is important to remind yourself to stop and breath deeply using your stomach - I've heard it called "gut breathing." This is very relaxing for the body as a whole - it will slow the heart and sends a message to the brain... "relax, we are in a safe place where no threats/predators are present."

I think that meditation in general is great - and it doesn't have to be complicated. Just sit quietly with your eyes closed when you have the time, maybe light a scented candle, sit/lie in a comfortable position and just listen to your breathing, allowing it to be relaxed, deep (but not forceful), and from your stomach. Perhaps have a warm compress on while you are doing this. Even people that don't suffer from DES should probably do this daily as a stress reducer.

I agree that exercise is a great way of handling your stress as well. It doesn't have to be anything intense or back-breaking or sweat inducing. I know it always helps me to sleep better.

I hope these help in some way! Take care and remember you're not alone,