Question about stress and PCS
 

Hi all. Had one question. 1. I've had one of the worst days of my life today so I've been stressed. My vision has been acting kind of blurred today and I also may be focusing on it to much. Could the stress be causing the vision problems? I've been to the eye doctor tons of times and every time he says it's in my head. I hope he's right. That's as far as the floaters are concerned the doctor said he thinks its anxiety related. The blurred vision I believed has happened to me before when I was stressed so I'm guessing that's all this is?

Floaters are always there. Our brain usually ignores the floaters. When we are stressed, our brains struggle to ignore them. Once we see the first floater, it is like they are everywhere.

What about the blurred vision when stressed? Does that ever happen to you?

My vision is a mess. Has been for a long time. Some days my right eye is very blurry. Other days, it is fine. I don't get too concerned other than frustrated because I can't read something.

I have experienced vision problems that did not show up on standard optometrist's tests. If you look through the forums many with PCS find that their vision impairment is one of the most debilitating symptoms. I'd try to get an appointment with a neuro ophthalmologist or an ophthalmologist if the former isn't available to you. They have much more detailed tests. They also (if you are lucky) may know more about the vague visual problems that result from brain injury.

My ophthalmologist was able to determine that my "blurry" eyesight and visual disorientation resulted from my brain's decreased processing speed -- i.e. there had been damage to the portion of the occipital cortex which integrates visual input. A good ophthalmologist should recognize that visual problems can be result from either vision problems (with the eye itself) or from neurological problems (optic nerve and occipital cortex).

I've heard vision therapy can help, but have yet to try it myself. Anyways, just wanted to let you know that it's not "in your head."

I have lots of vision issues now, as Mark said, stress brings them on so much that they are impossible to ignore. The last couple of weeks have been really bad for me.

The neuro optometrist I go to tells me that vision issues can require up to 80% of the brains ability....the net result of that is there are stressful times that can start to cut into the required needs of vision.

My vision is good again and whacky still. Depends on the day or minute or level of activity etc.

Bud