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Anxiety in Grocery Stores: A Visual Processing Perspective


Dr. Kalie McCartin, neuro optometrist

Dr. Kalie McCartin

Developmental and Neuro-Optometrist

Owner, Visual Processing Institute



Have you ever felt a surge of anxiety as you step into a bustling grocery store? The bright lights, the crowded aisles, the endless array of products can be overwhelming for many. While some might attribute this discomfort to general social anxiety or fear of crowds, there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that underlying visual processing issues could be at play.


We have had countless patients come to our offices stating that their doctors have said there's nothing wrong with them and they need to just "calm down" and we have found a measurable deficiency EVERY TIME.


You are not alone and you do not have to suffer for the rest of your life.

anxiety in grocery stores

Binocular Vision Disorder: A Potential Culprit

Binocular vision disorder, a condition affecting the coordination of both eyes, is often implicated in grocery store anxiety. This disorder can manifest in various ways, including:

  • Divergence insufficiency: Difficulty looking down the aisle, leading to a sense of disorientation.

  • Spasms of the accommodative lens: Sudden muscle contractions in the lens, causing blurry vision and discomfort.

  • Convergence insufficiency: Struggling to focus on details, such as reading product labels.

  • Accommodative insufficiencies: Difficulty adjusting focus between near and far objects.

  • Pursuit problems: Challenges tracking moving objects, like other shoppers or products on conveyor belts.

  • Saccade problems: Difficulty shifting gaze quickly between different items.

  • Figure-ground problems: Struggling to distinguish specific items from the overall environment.

  • Visual closure problems: Difficulty recognizing objects when parts are obscured or missing.

  • Form constancy problems: Struggling to recognize familiar objects in different contexts or orientations.

  • Visual memory and visualization problems: Difficulty recalling or imagining visual information.

anxiety in grocery stores

These visual processing challenges can significantly impact a person's ability to navigate complex environments like grocery stores. The constant visual stimuli, combined with potential binocular vision issues, can trigger feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.


The Grocery Store Environment: A Visual Stressor

Beyond binocular vision disorder, the grocery store environment itself can contribute to visual stress. Bright fluorescent lighting, often used in grocery stores, can be harsh on the eyes and exacerbate visual discomfort. Additionally, the frequent rearrangement of products can make it difficult to find familiar items, leading to frustration and anxiety.

anxiety in grocery stores

The Link Between Anxiety and Visual Processing

Research suggests that a significant percentage of the population experiences binocular vision dysfunction or visual processing deficiencies. In fact, studies estimate that over 30% of the general population and a staggering 90% of individuals with post-concussion syndrome have these issues. When combined with the visually demanding environment of a grocery store, it's no wonder that anxiety can arise.


Seeking Relief: The Role of Neuro-Optometry

If you suspect that your grocery store anxiety might be related to visual processing issues, consulting a neuro-optometrist or developmental optometrist can be beneficial. These specialists can assess your binocular vision and visual processing skills and recommend appropriate treatment options.


Through specialized exercises and therapies, neuro-optometrists can help improve eye coordination, reduce visual stress, and enhance overall visual function. By addressing underlying visual issues, individuals may experience a significant reduction in grocery store anxiety and improve their overall quality of life.

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