Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects the entire body, including the eyes. People with fibromyalgia may experience vision problems as a result of their condition, and it can be challenging to manage. So let’s dive in and learn more about this important topic!
In this article, we will discuss how fibromyalgia affects eyesight, common eye problems associated with it, treatment options for eye issues related to fibromyalgia, preventive measures to take for eye health if you have fibromyalgia, and tips on managing vision loss due to fibromyalgia.
We will also explore what support is available for people with vision impairment from fibromyalgia.
How Does Fibromyalgia Affect Eyesight?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that can affect one’s eyesight. It can cause ocular symptoms such as foreign body sensation, irritation, and blurred vision.
It may also be associated with dry eye syndrome and reduced corneal sensitivity. In some cases, scleritis—including the necrotizing form—has been reported to accompany fibromyalgia.
Therefore, those with this condition should be aware of potential impacts on their eyesight and seek medical advice if any vision changes occur.
Common Eye Problems Associated with Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can have an impact on eye health as well. Some of the most common eye problems associated with fibromyalgia can include:
Eye Pain: Fibromyalgia patients often experience eye pain or strain that is caused due to the over-sensitivity of the muscles in the eyes. This pain can cause blurry vision, headaches, and even nausea.
To help manage this symptom, patients must practice good eye care habits, such as wearing sunglasses when outdoors and keeping the eyes well lubricated with eye drops.
Sensitivity to Light: Many Fibromyalgia patients experience sensitivity to light, especially when exposed to bright and fluorescent lights. This sensitivity can cause headaches, dizziness, and even nausea. To help manage this symptom, patients must avoid direct exposure to bright and fluorescent lights as much as possible.
Wearing sunglasses and limiting the time spent in front of computers or other devices with bright screens is also recommended.
Blurred Vision: Fibromyalgia patients often experience blurred vision due to eye strain, dry eyes, or fatigue. To help manage this symptom, patients need to use artificial tears to keep the eyes well-lubricated and to give the eyes a break from computer screens or other bright light sources.
Fluctuating Visual Clarity: Fibromyalgia patients may experience fluctuating visual clarity due to eye fatigue or strain. This can cause blurred vision, difficulty focusing, headaches, and nausea. To help manage this symptom, practicing good eye hygiene, such as wearing sunglasses and keeping the eyes well lubricated with artificial tears, is essential.
Visual Overload: People with Fibromyalgia may find that their vision becomes overwhelmed when exposed to too much light or visual information. To help manage this symptom, it is crucial for patients to keep their eyes well-lubricated and to take regular breaks from bright screens or fluorescent lighting.
Dry Eyes: Fibromyalgia patients often experience dryness of the eyes due to fatigue and eye strain. To help manage this symptom, patients must use artificial tears throughout the day and avoid direct exposure to bright lights as much as possible.
The above eye problems are just some common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Patients must seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms since they can indicate a more serious underlying condition. With proper management, these eye problems can be managed and minimized.
Treatment Options for Eye Issues Related to Fibromyalgia
Many treatment options are available for people suffering from eye issues related to fibromyalgia.
These treatments range from lifestyle changes, such as avoiding bright lights and computer screens, to medical interventions like artificial tears and prescription medications. Patients need to understand the treatments available to find the best solution for their needs.
Lifestyle Changes: Making simple lifestyle changes can help reduce or prevent some of the common eye problems associated with fibromyalgia, such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and visual overload. Examples include:
- Wearing sunglasses when outdoors.
- Limiting time spent in front of computers or other devices with bright screens.
- Taking regular breaks from any device that emits a lot of light and using artificial tears throughout the day.
Prescription Medications: Patients who experience severe symptoms may need stronger medication intervention than lifestyle changes alone. Prescription medications can be combined with lifestyle modifications to reduce inflammation, pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia-related eye issues.
Surgery: In rare cases where all other treatments have failed, an ophthalmologist may recommend surgery for more severe conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts, often caused by Fibromyalgia-related eye strain.
No matter what type of treatment is chosen, patients need to work with their doctor or healthcare provider to create the best plan for managing their eye issues related to fibromyalgia.
Natural Ways to Improve Your Eyesight
Maintaining good eye health is essential for everyone, even more, crucial if you’re at risk of developing vision problems.
Fortunately, there are several natural ways to improve your eyesight. From eating healthy foods to wearing protective eyewear when needed, here are some tips that can help keep your eyes in top form.
First off, vitamins and minerals are essential components of any diet. They provide the body with the necessary nutrients to perform its daily functions – including those related to vision health.
Eating dark leafy greens like kale or spinach and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon or mackerel will ensure your body gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs for optimal eye health.
Smoking is also detrimental since nicotine has been found to decrease blood flow in the retina which can lead to vision impairment over time. Therefore avoiding smoking altogether will benefit overall health and keep one’s eyesight sharp.
Regular exercise also helps maintain strong circulation throughout the entire body, including our eyes, so regular physical activity is also recommended.
When engaging in activities that may pose risks to our sight (such as yard work, sports, or home repairs), wearing the appropriate protective eyewear is essential. This will reduce the likelihood of injury and protect our eyes from harm.
Always wash your hands before handling them for contact lens wearers to avoid infection. And always remember that when you’re outdoors – even on cloudier days – wear sunglasses that offer 99%-100% UVA and UVB protection.
Finally, it’s essential to be aware of your family’s eye health history, as certain conditions can run in the family, so taking preventative measures is critical. By following these natural ways to improve your eyesight, you can maintain your vision health for many years.
Be sure to visit your doctor regularly and keep up with any recommended tests or screenings prescribed as preventative measures. Doing so will ensure that you’re keeping an eye on your eye health!
Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia Eye Problems
Several home remedies can provide relief from these symptoms.
Gel eye drops are an effective remedy for dry eye as they create a protective coating on the eyeball, which lasts longer than artificial tears. This helps to reduce any discomfort associated with fibromyalgia-induced dryness.
Applying ice packs over the eyes and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also be beneficial for relieving dryness in those with fibromyalgia-related eye problems. Blinking exercises and wearing an eye mask at night can help reduce any inflammation or discomfort experienced during sleep.
Taking fish oil supplements regularly has been found to help reduce inflammation, which is essential for maintaining the good overall health of our eyes – particularly if you have fibromyalgia-related issues affecting your vision.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia can seriously impact eyesight, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and keep your vision healthy. Eating nutritious foods, avoiding smoking, wearing protective eyewear when necessary, and exercising regularly will help maintain good eye health.
Additionally, using gel eye drops for dryness relief or taking fish oil supplements may provide additional benefits in helping to reduce inflammation associated with Fibromyalgia-related eye problems.
It is also essential to visit an optometrist or healthcare provider who specializes in fibromyalgia so they can create a personalized plan of action that works best for you. With these tips in mind and regular checkups, those living with fibromyalgia should be able to enjoy clear vision for many years ahead!
Thank you. I have recently received treatment for a dry eye, angle closure glaucoma. I continue to use artificial tears.