Some people do not realize that their fibromyalgia and vision problems may be related.
While there is no way to determine with certainty that vision problems are exacerbated by your fibromyalgia, it is common for those of us living with fibromyalgia and its primary co-conditions to experience a variety of issues related to the eyes.
Here is a list of some problems that are commonly reported:
- Dry eyes
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty focusing the eyes
- Pain in or around the eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Vision interference (seeing lines, lights, etc.)
Some fibromyalgia patients have two or more sets of eyeglasses because their vision fluctuates over time. They may need a different eyeglass prescription depending on the nature or severity of symptoms on any given day. According to one doctor who has treated thousands of fibromyalgia patients, about half of all sufferers report some type of vision problem.
(oh, and let me say one thing before we go on. You are reading this right now either on your laptop, tablet, or phone. Be sure that you have your blue light setting activated so that you are not constantly exposed to “blue light”, as this can cause more eye strain and eye conditions over time)
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Every Day Complications of Fibromyalgia and Vision Impairment
For those who do count vision problems amongst their fibromyalgia symptoms, the complications often interfere with their quality of life.
For example, many fibromyalgia patients are sensitive to headlights on the road when driving after dark.
This is a form of light sensitivity that may also make it difficult for a fibro person to look at a computer screen, cellphone, or another electronic screen for long periods of time. Even watching television may become uncomfortable or painful.
I had my husband set the TV brightness down and that helped a lot.
Some people cannot wear contacts due to excessively dry or irritated eyes, and others may need to keep multiple sets of eyeglasses with them at all times. Double, blurry, or unfocused vision may occur at any time, leaving many fibromyalgia patients hesitant to drive or accept jobs that include the operation of heavy equipment.
These are just a few examples of how vision problems might impact the quality of life for fibromyalgia patients. Eye doctors may have trouble assessing and treating someone with this condition because they don’t know enough about fibromyalgia to understand the eye symptoms presented.
Remember also that trigger points which are often present in fibromyalgia can occur around the face and eyes. Vision can also be affected by migraine headaches. If like me, you have endured chronic migraine since a younger age, you know just how debilitating migraine can be.
Eye Pain and Fibromyalgia
Most vision problems suffered by fibromyalgia patients could easily be assigned to other causes, but that’s not necessarily true with pain in or around the eyes.
When you don’t know what is causing a condition, it’s difficult to treat it successfully. You need to always rule out the possibility of another condition altogether causing any vision-related issues.
How about some simple eye exercises?
Try these and see if you notice a difference when done consistently.
1. Hold both palms over your closed eyes. Secure them gently around the orbital bone. Allow your eyes to completely relax in darkness for about one minute.
2. Then, take one hand away and use only one eye to look around, look up, look down, and to the side, and then focus on something straight ahead for about 15 seconds, then cover and do the other eye.
3. With eyes open, stretch one arm out all the way and focus on one finger, then focus on that one finger as you bring it in a couple of inches towards the face. Extend back out slowly. 2- 3 times each eye and arm.
NOTE: do some slow relaxed breathing at the same time … feels good!!
Living with Fibromyalgia and Vision Problems with Pain
Whether we suffer from eye pain or vision problems or not, it’s good for those of us with fibromyalgia to have our eyes examined at least once a year.
If you can find an eye professional with experience treating fibro patients, you might get even better treatment of vision problems or pain do present at a later date.
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Yes, checking for glaucoma and other eye conditions is really important. Let me tell you a short story about my last eye exam. During the previous exam, they did a test where they blew a short burst of air into my eyes. I hate to say it, but I really could not stand that. It felt like a little trauma to my eyes and nervous system.
So, when they got to this part of the exam at the last appointment, I asked if we could wait, or do that another way. If you are flaring with other symptoms, your nervous system may be on “high alert” even more.
When it comes to your eyes, be sure you have a good eye doctor who explains the details to you of what they are doing. You might just need some time to process what they are going to do.
There are over-the-counter treatments that may help with dry or irritated eyes, and you may want to limit the amount of time that you spend staring at bright screens. Many sufferers find that blurry vision, eye floaters, and other vision disturbances get worse when they’re sleep-deprived, so sticking to a routine sleep schedule may help as well.
You might also consider buying glasses that can block the harmful light that comes with computers cell phones. Avoid using your cell phone while in the sun as the reflection can be harmful to your eyes.
Also, try to avoid using all devices after sundown to not only protect your eyes but to increase your body’s own production of melatonin to support healthier sleeping patterns.
Essential Supplements for the Eyes
If you are already taking a good quality fish oil and getting an adequate intake of Omega 3 fatty acids every day, that is a good place to start.
Lutein is also an essential nutrient for the eyes, especially as we age and if we have any issues with glare or light sensitivity. Many inferior lutein supplements simply do not contain enough lutein. Remember, that at least 20mg. per day is best. We like and use the Jarrow brand (still cost-effective) with 20 mg. Lutein and 1mg. Zeaxanthin (link above this line) Some doctors recommend up to 40 mg. of lutein daily for those over 60.
I would say that consistency is also important because again, I want any supplement you take to be effective AND cost-effective. Take what you can afford but in a quality brand because lutein is essential as we age.
You might often hear me talk about Astazanthin for body inflammation. It is also good for the eyes and the brain. I like the Life Extension brand. 8-12 mg per day. (see below)
Vitamin K is also known to prevent the formation of cataracts. You can check out our information on vitamin K and what you need to know if planning to supplement.
Sleep, Fibromyalgia and Vision
With fibromyalgia and the disruption in the sleep/wake cycle that is so common, comes the additional variable that can easily affect the eyes.
With a lack of restorative sleep, every part of the body can suffer.
You may simply feel like your eyes are not as fully awake and focused as they should be. This can be due to not only fibromyalgia but chronic fatigue syndrome as well. If you haven’t yet, please visit our main sleep help article and consider the suggestions listed.
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For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:
References:
Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly
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Official Fibromyalgia Blogs
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Fibromyalgia Stores
