Many people wonder if stress can specifically affect one eye. The short answer is yes. Stress can cause eye pain, and sometimes, it might only affect one eye. This happens because stress impacts our body's nervous system , which is closely linked to our eye muscles and nerves. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that can lead to muscle tension, including around the eyes. Stress and the Nervous System Stress triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline an