Fibromyalgia is a type of chronic pain disorder that can lead to physical and mental suffering. It could affect a lot of people and is usually prevalent among women. Fibromyalgia has strong effects on one’s nervous system, and it could also affect your vision too.  Fibromyalgia eye problems is one aspect of fibromyalgia which is often overlooked.

Vision Effects of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can have negative impact on the ability of your eyes to perform every day duties such as doing detailed work, reading, and driving. In worse cases, fibromyalgia can cause blurry or double vision.

The most common fibromyalgia eye problem is dry eyes. Dry eyes in fibromyalgia could range from mild to severe cases and occurs because fibromyalgia can dry the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and the eyes. This condition is known as Sicca. It makes it difficult for people to wear contact lenses and also lowers the production of tears by up to 90 percent.

According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, eye pain is a common symptom of the chronic pain syndrome. Fibromyalgia can disrupt the normal function of ocular muscles in the eye resulting in eye misalignment which can cause blurred vision

In summary, the vision effects of fibromyalgia are:

• dry eyes
• blurred or double vision
• increased eye pressure
• decreased tear production
• light sensitivity
• general eye pain.

The Best Way To Treat Fibromyalgia Eye Problems

The best way to treat fibromyalgia eye problems is to manage the disease overall. This includes some familiar treatment such as taking antidepressants, pain relievers, psychotherapy, anti-seizures, addressing stress and sleep problems, changing your diet, exercising and many more.

Dry eyes can easily be relieved with eye lubricants or eye drops. You can use the lubricants through the day to help reverse the effects of dry eyes. It will help you to see more comfortably.

If you’re constantly experiencing photo-sensitivity, wear a pair of sunglasses with good UV protection. It can help reduce pain in the eyes due to exposure to light.

For those who experience blurred and double vision, it is best to see an eye doctor to remedy these vision problems.

Can Fibromyalgia Lead to Blindness?

In general, fibromyalgia will not lead to blindness. However, there are some cases where it could:

• If a fibromyalgia patient also suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, he or she could develop arteritis, an inflammation of the temporal arteries. People who suffer from this condition can experience partial loss of vision and some may completely lose their eyesight.
• If your eyes are not treated rapidly with high dose steroids, inflammation could overwhelm your optic nerves and this can lead to partial or complete blindness in one of your eyes or both of them.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and debilitating disorder. It could affect millions of people all over the world and is responsible for a host of physical and mental conditions, including vision problems. If you’re suffering fibromyalgia and are afraid of developing any of the vision problems stated above, consult your physician as soon as possible.

The best way to avoid getting fibromyalgia eye problems is to manage your pain condition well and to do something that can combat this chronic pain condition.