The Visual Stress process
The stages of Visual Stress
For Visual Stress to occur, the visual system goes through several steps. Understanding these steps can help you stop the process by reducing the triggers and making changes to your visual environment. If you do not make changes, and the cycle continues to escalate, the stress accumulates and symptoms will worsen.
The triggers
The process begins when an individual looks at a trigger image. Trigger images have a strong pattern, are high in contrast, flicker, move or are an uncomfortable colour.
Processing information
If the visual cortex is sensitive to the information it receives, an internal alarm goes off in the brain, activating the area and calling for oxygenated blood (energy) to manage the issue.
Receiving information
The image information is sent to the visual cortex where it is supposed to be converted into a clear image that the rest of the brain can now use to make decisions and carry out tasks.
Hyperactivation
If the visual cortex continues to be activated, then an excess amount of energy is sent to the area. This is called hyperactivation meaning that the visual system is now under stress and the individual is now experiencing Visual Stress.
1) Pain, pressure and heat
The visual cortex fills with this oxygenated blood (energy). Pressure, pain and heat at the back of the head (where the visual cortex is found) is often reported.
3) Loss of clarity
The information is no longer processed properly and the visual information loses clarity. Intermittent blurring may occur, leading to squinting, eyestrain and visual discomfort.
5) Visual illusions
Perception becomes a problem, text images may appear unstable, causing tracking and reading difficulties. The light and glare may appear overly bright.
2) Slower processing
As the energy collects, the pathways become clogged, the processing of information becomes slower, and symptoms of brain fog and difficulty concentrating are often reported.
4) Fatigue and frustration
Cognitive energy is running low and continues to be spent to process the image. Fatigue and frustration are often experienced.
6) Vestibular issues
Perception of the visual environment may be misperceived as uneven and unstable causing dizziness and nausea from movement.
Note:
If the trigger image continues to be received by the brain the process flow continues around and around, and the Visual Stress symptoms increase in number and severity. As the excess oxygenated blood accumulates, it cascades into other areas of the brain, causing more, seemingly unrelated problems such as auditory sensory overload and migraines. The best way to end this vicious circle is to stop what you are doing and stop looking at the trigger images. Alternatively, you can look into precision tinted lenses and other products offered by Opticalm and its network of colorimetry providers.
Causes and triggers
Visual Stress occurs when the visual environment is overwhelmed, causing the brain to react. This can lead to physical pain and visual difficulties.
Signs and symptoms
Recognize the signs, address and manage the symptoms.
See an optometrist
It is essential to see an optometrist for a full vision assessment and to have any anomalies treated conventionally before considering treatment with coloured filters.
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