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If you’ve noticed faint rings or discolouration around your iris, you might have wondered if they’re caused by stress. While many people refer to them as “stress rings,” these circular patterns usually have nothing to do with emotional or physical stress. In most cases, they’re harmless, but sometimes they can signal an underlying eye or health condition.
This guide explains what stress rings actually are, what causes them, and when it’s worth booking an eye test.
“Stress rings” aren’t caused by stress or fatigue.
They can be harmless pigmentation patterns or signs of other eye changes.
Common causes include corneal arcus, Kayser–Fleischer rings, or natural iris variation.
Optometrists can diagnose the cause using slit-lamp and retinal imaging.
Regular eye exams help detect any related health conditions early.
The term “stress rings” isn’t a medical diagnosis. It’s a phrase people use to describe rings, circles, or discolouration they see around the iris—the coloured part of the eye.
In most cases, these rings are simply due to natural pigment differences or changes that occur with age. However, some types of rings may indicate specific eye or health conditions that need to be checked.
Here are the most common explanations:
This appears as a grey, white, or light-blue ring along the outer edge of the cornea. It’s caused by cholesterol and lipid deposits that form over time.
Common in: Adults over 40, or younger individuals with high cholesterol.
Usually harmless, but in younger adults, it can point to elevated cholesterol levels and may warrant a GP check-up.
These are golden-brown or greenish rings around the cornea, caused by copper buildup in the eye tissue.
Linked to: A rare genetic condition called Wilson’s disease.
Requires: Medical assessment, as it can affect the liver and nervous system.
Some people naturally have darker areas, flecks, or circular pigmentation patterns in their iris.
Completely normal and unrelated to stress.
Should be checked only if they change in size, shape, or colour, as that can indicate pigment dispersion or, rarely, melanoma.
Lighting, flash photography, or contact lenses can sometimes create the illusion of “rings” around the eye in photos. These are harmless and purely visual effects.
Despite the name, “stress rings” aren’t caused by mental stress, lack of sleep, or fatigue.
However, tiredness and dehydration can make your eyes appear red, puffy, or shadowed, which might make natural rings or colour patterns stand out more.
Emotional stress can lead to dry eye symptoms, twitching eyelids, or blurred vision due to fatigue, but it does not cause visible rings to form.
If your eyes often feel strained or uncomfortable, see our guide on digital eye strain for practical tips to ease the discomfort.
While most cases of visible rings are harmless, it’s worth booking an eye test if you notice:
New or changing rings or cloudiness
A visible grey or white arc at the corneal edge
A golden or brownish ring around the iris
Any other changes to eye colour or clarity
These symptoms can be linked to:
Cholesterol deposits (corneal arcus)
Liver or metabolic disorders (in rare cases)
Corneal inflammation or keratitis
Age-related changes to the cornea
At E Eye Place, we use slit-lamp microscopes and digital retinal imaging to get a clear view of your cornea, iris, and retina. This allows us to determine whether the ring is a harmless feature or a sign of something that needs closer attention.
During your visit, your optometrist will:
Discuss your history – including general health, medications, and family eye history.
Use a slit-lamp microscope – to closely inspect your cornea and iris under magnification.
Capture digital images – to track any changes over time.
Check cholesterol-related signs – if corneal arcus is present in younger patients.
Refer you – to your GP if further testing (like cholesterol or liver function) is recommended.
This process is quick, painless, and provides valuable insight into both your eye and general health.
At E Eye Place, our focus is on early detection and education. We use advanced imaging such as OCT scans, corneal topography, and digital retinal photography to identify subtle signs of change before symptoms appear.
Our optometrists take the time to explain what we see during your exam. If the rings are harmless, you’ll leave reassured. If there’s any sign of cholesterol or pigment-related issues, we’ll guide you through next steps and coordinate care with your GP if necessary.
If your eyes often feel gritty, sore, or tired, you may have an underlying tear film imbalance or Meibomian gland issue. Our Dry Eye Clinic provides in-clinic treatments, warm compress therapy, and home care advice to relieve irritation and restore comfort.
Even if your stress rings are nothing to worry about, looking after your eyes helps protect your long-term vision.
Simple habits can make a big difference:
Have regular eye exams every two years (or more often if recommended).
Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays to prevent sun-related damage.
Eat eye-friendly foods rich in omega-3s, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Stay hydrated to support tear film and corneal clarity.
Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of eye disease and cholesterol deposits.
If you’ve noticed rings, colour changes, or cloudiness in your eyes, don’t ignore them—book an appointment with your optometrist. Most rings are harmless, but a professional eye test is the only way to know for sure.
At E Eye Place, we take the time to explain what’s happening with your eyes, using advanced imaging to detect even the smallest changes. Whether your rings are simply part of your natural eye colour or a sign of something that needs attention, we’ll give you clear answers and a plan for healthy vision moving forward.
Book your eye test today and get expert advice tailored to you.
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