Fibromyalgia is condition that causes pain throughout the body, and concentrated pain in certain areas, called tender points, if you apply direct pressure. This condition may result in fatigue and sleep disorders, and you may also experience some eye-related issues. Vision problems or other eye symptoms do not typically appear as identifying signs of fibromyalgia, but if you experience eye problems you should inform your doctor since these issues will help your doctor monitor your condition.
Light Sensitivity
People with fibromyalgia may have light sensitivity, a condition also known as photophobia. This can result from sources of bright lighting, such as overhead lights, sunlight or light from the television. Light sensitivity will not typically distort vision, but most people squint or look away from the source of the light. If you have fibromyalgia you may have difficulty driving at night, and this may result, in part, from light sensitivity and glare problems. Your doctor may not have a solution for glare problems, but some people may find tinted eyeglass lenses help relieve some of the associated discomfort.
Dry Eye
Fibromyalgia may also cause dry eye, a condition that occurs when the surface of your eye does not have the proper balance of lubrication to nourish your eye and help your eyelid glide over the surface. This will often cause stinging, itching and redness. Dry eye may also cause episodes of blurry vision, but a series of quick blinks will often restore vision. Your doctor will often recommend an artificial tear, an eye drop that does not contain medication but may help provide necessary lubrication. Some people may need to use the drops frequently to relieve discomfort. If the eye drops do not help, your doctor may recommend prescription medication or other treatments to reduce your symptoms.
Discomfort
Due to the widespread pain associated with fibromyalgia, this condition may also interfere with wearing prescription eyewear. Contact lens users may find that the lenses irritate the surface of the eye. If discomfort appears suddenly, however, the discomfort may not stem from fibromyalgia. For example, discomfort with the lens could indicate a defective lens, and wearing a torn or damaged lens could irritate your eye. If you experience discomfort after inserting the lens, you should remove your contact and examine the lens. If you continue to have discomfort when the lens is in place, contact your doctor.
People who wear eyeglasses may also have discomfort if the frames press against their face. Your eye doctor or an optician in her office will adjust your frames so that your glasses do not sit on a sensitive area.
Considerations
Changes in your eye comfort and vision require an evaluation from your eye doctor. She can help you determine the source of your problems and whether fibromyalgia may play a role in these changes. Your eye doctor may not resolve all of your eye problems, but she may have ideas to help you work through your personal challenges with fibromyalgia.
