You might know that stress does not only affect your mental wellbeing. Stress can also affect your physical health. Chronic stress can increase your risk of headaches, digestive problems, and even heart attacks. But did you know stress may also affect your eyes?

April is Stress Awareness Month, and many of us can benefit from learning how to combat stress and protect our health. 
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We know that maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for overall well-being. Being overweight can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, but did you know that carrying excess weight can also increase your chances of developing certain vision problems? Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight should be a priority. 

​Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks cells in the immune system called T cells. Over time, it can make it difficult for the immune system to fight infection. An individual with HIV may develop various types of infections and is prone to certain diseases, including problems with their eyes. One of the more common eye complications related to HIV is retinopathy, but more serious infections can also occur. 
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December 1, 2020, is World AIDS Day. Although treatment has come a long way since AIDS was first diagnosed, it is still important to understand how HIV/AIDS can affect your body, including possible eye complications.

Diabetes affects millions of people in the United States. It can increase your risk of various health conditions, such as heart disease and kidney disease. Diabetes can also affect the eyes and threaten vision.

Although most often it is adults that are affected by diabetes, children can also develop the condition. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 210,000 young people under the age of 20 are estimated to have diabetes. 
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Hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver. The condition can be acute and develop quickly. Hepatitis can also be chronic and lead to serious complications, including liver cancer. Different forms of hepatitis occur. According to the World Health Organization, there are five forms of hepatitis. 

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