Vision Changes

Changes in vision — whether blurred, dimmed, double, or distorted — often reflect more than just eye strain. Vision is deeply connected to the nervous system, circulation, and metabolic health. Sudden or gradual changes can indicate imbalances in hydration, blood flow, blood sugar, hormonal rhythms, or even cranial nerve signaling.

• Location of Symptom

  Eyes: blurriness, floaters, flickering, dryness, strain

  Brain: processing delays, visual auras

  Nervous system: tension behind the eyes, hypersensitivity to light

• Physiological Breakdown

  Your eyes are like windows, but your brain is the processor that makes sense of what you see. If either one is stressed, vision suffers. Blood sugar dips, dehydration, or inflammation can affect eye fluid balance. Hormonal or neurological changes can interfere with how signals are interpreted. Even emotional overload or vagus nerve tension can make your vision feel “off.”

  Imagine your inner camera lens going slightly out of focus — the body’s signaling system needs recalibration, not just glasses.

• Common Signs

  Blurry or fuzzy vision that comes and goes

  Sensitivity to light or glare

  Eye floaters or flickering at the edge of vision

  Trouble adjusting between near and far distances

  Eyes feel dry, tense, or tired often

• Rudimentary Root Causes

  Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance

  Chronic screen exposure without breaks

• Secondary Root Causes (Associated or Downstream)

  Blood sugar fluctuations or insulin resistance

  Hormonal changes (thyroid, menstrual, menopause)

  Migraine-related visual auras

  Neck tension or vagus nerve constriction

  Post-viral nervous system irritation

• Drug-Induced Vision Changes

  These can affect vision by altering intraocular pressure, disrupting neurotransmitters, changing fluid balance, or irritating the optic nerve:

  Psych Meds

  Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs) – may cause blurred vision or dry eyes by interfering with acetylcholine or serotonin in the eye

  Antipsychotics – associated with blurred vision, eye twitching, or light sensitivity

  Benzodiazepines – may cause blurred vision, especially during withdrawal or rapid dose changes

  Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin) – can dry out the eyes and create visual jitteriness or trouble focusing

  Lithium – may cause blurred vision or eye movement disturbances in some users

  Ocular Pressure + Fluid Balance

  Corticosteroids (oral or topical) – linked to cataracts, glaucoma, and blurred vision with long-term use

  Antihistamines (especially older, sedating ones like Benadryl) – dry out the eyes and may cause pupil dilation or blurred vision

  Decongestants – constrict blood vessels and may reduce tear production or eye comfort

  Diuretics – can cause temporary visual changes through electrolyte shifts and dehydration

  Beta blockers (including eye drops) – can affect visual field perception and circulation

  PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra) – known to cause blue-tinted vision, light sensitivity, and rare optic neuropathy

  Chemotherapy drugs – can affect visual nerves or cause dry, irritated eyes

  Statins – rare cases of blurred vision or double vision due to nerve effects

  Isotretinoin (Accutane) – commonly causes dry eyes, night vision issues, and photophobia

• Herbal-Induced Vision Changes (Frequent or Mismatched Use)

  These herbs can impact eye fluid, nerve stimulation, or pupil response, especially when misused:

  Belladonna / Datura – highly anticholinergic; historically known to dilate pupils and blur vision (toxic in small doses)

  Cannabis (THC) – dilates pupils, reduces eye pressure short-term but may worsen dryness or sensitivity in long use

  Kava – may cause visual blurring or pupil changes in high doses

  Passionflower, hops, valerian, skullcap – may cause transient blurry vision in individuals with already slow circulation

  Licorice root (when combined with stimulants) – may raise blood pressure, contributing to visual disturbances

  Goldenseal (hydrastis) – potential for dry mucosa, including eyes, if taken in excess or with other drying herbs

  Ephedra (ma huang) – stimulant herb that may induce eye pressure spikes or blurred vision

• Supplement-Induced Vision Effects

  Niacin (B3 in high doses) – can cause “niacin flush” which includes visual disturbances or eye pressure sensations

  Vitamin A (excess) – too much can cause blurry vision, headaches, and even increased intracranial pressure

  High-dose zinc – may cause copper imbalance, impacting optic nerve health

  Melatonin (overuse) – possible effects on visual adaptation and circadian-related light sensitivity

  Overuse of stimulant-based nootropics – can overstimulate visual centers, leading to jitteriness or blurring

  Electrolyte imbalances from over-supplementation – may lead to dehydration-induced visual shifts

  Omega-3 overdose (very rare) – can thin the blood and potentially contribute to eye pressure changes if taken excessively in sensitive individuals

• Underlying Tissue States

  The following tissue states may represent underlying imbalances contributing to this symptom:

  Wind/Tension – tightness around optic nerves, spasmodic eye muscles

  Cold/Depression – sluggish blood flow to the head

  Heat/Excitation – inflammation or overuse of visual pathways

• Organ Systems Affected

  Nervous system

  Endocrine system

  Circulatory system

  Digestive system (nutrient delivery)

• Recommended Exploration Topics

  Eye and brain nourishment (zinc, lutein, B2, DHA)

  Blood sugar and hydration balance

  Screen management + blue light support

  Nervous system regulation

  Hormonal mapping

  Visual overstimulation and recovery rituals

Does my vision get blurrier when I’m tired, hungry, or anxious? Have I noticed new floaters, flickers, or light sensitivity? Do my eyes feel strained, dry, or heavy after screens or emotional stress? Do I struggle to focus visually in certain lighting or environments? Does my vision worsen around hormonal shifts or migraines? Do I experience visual “auras” or distortions before other symptoms? Does focusing feel mentally draining, not just visual? If your vision feels unstable, strained, or distorted, your body is asking you to slow down and listen. Let’s uncover what’s behind your visual shifts and bring clarity back to both your eyes and your nervous system.

Disclaimer

Each person’s condition has a unique root cause, and lifestyle, diet and herbal remedies must be tailored to the individual. The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized care. If you’d like support in understanding your specific situation, please reach out to me for guidance.