I've read that nervousness can damage the retina. Is this true?

M.

The retina -- the layer of light-sensitive cells lining the back of the eye -- is vital to vision because it captures visual images and sends the information to the brain via the optic nerve. To my knowledge, neither stress nor "nervousness" can damage the retina.

There are a number of potential causes of retinal injury, including advanced diabetes, trauma and inflammation. People who are nearsighted are also at greater risk for retinal detachment because of the shape of their eyeballs, as are people who've had the lens of an eye removed because of a cataract. The risk of retinal problems also increases with age. However, I am not aware of nervousness increasing the risk of retinal injury or being associated with any of the factors known to cause retinal injury.