Blurred Vision and Fibromyalgia - Causes and Prevention Tips

Understanding Blurred Vision and Fibromyalgia

Blurred vision is a common symptom reported by many fibromyalgia patients. Up to 30-40% of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience some type of visual disturbance, including blurred vision, double vision, dry eyes, eye pain, sensitivity to light, and more.

But what causes blurred vision in fibromyalgia patients? And how is it connected to fibromyalgia itself? Keep reading to learn more about the link between fibromyalgia and vision problems like blurred vision.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain condition that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, memory issues and mood changes. It affects about 2-6% of the global population and is much more common in women than men.

While the root cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, researchers believe it involves amplified pain signals in the central nervous system and abnormalities in how the brain processes pain. In addition to pain, fibromyalgia causes a host of other symptoms due to the central nervous system being in a constant state of hypersensitivity.

Understanding Blurred Vision and Fibromyalgia

So what does this have to do with vision problems like blurred vision? Research indicates that the same central nervous system hypersensitivity that amplifies pain signals in fibro patients also makes them more prone to sensory over-stimulation from visual stimuli.

Fibromyalgia specialists theorize that when fibro patients experience blurred vision, its because their visual cortex is struggling to filter and process the immense amount of visual signals it receives. This overstimulation ends up causing visual disturbances.

Other Fibromyalgia Vision Symptoms

In addition to blurred vision, fibromyalgia can cause an array of other vision and eye problems including:

• Eye pain or strain
• Sensitivity to light
• Dry eyes/insufficient tears
• Spots, flashes or visual snow
• Slowness in changing focus
• Vision getting worse after focusing
• Difficulty changing from light to dark environments

Many fibromyalgia patients also experience migraines, which can further aggravate vision problems like blurred vision, light sensitivity and visual auras.

Treatments for Blurred Vision From Fibromyalgia

While fibromyalgia itself cannot be cured, many of its symptoms like blurred vision can be managed through medications, supplements, nerve blocks, lifestyle changes and vision therapy. Some options to reduce fibromyalgia blurred vision include:

• Prescription eyedrops - Prescription dry eye drops containing anti-inflammatory ingredients can provide relief for dryness-induced blurred vision.
• Blue light blocking glasses - Wearing glasses that filter out high energy blue and violet light may improve eye comfort and reduce visual overstimulation.
• Vision therapy - Specific vision therapy exercises can help retrain your visual system and reduce overload from excessive visual stimuli.
• Nutritional supplements - Supplements like omega-3s, turmeric, magnesium and CoQ10 provide anti-inflammatory benefits that may ease fibromyalgia vision symptoms.
• Low vision aids - Devices like electronic magnifiers and audio books can help in cases of severe vision loss from fibromyalgia or neurological issues.
• Trigeminal nerve blocks - Injections targeting the trigeminal nerve have shown promise at relieving eye-related pain in fibromyalgia patients.

Causes of Blurred Vision in Fibromyalgia Patients

Blurred vision is frustrating enough on its own without chronic widespread pain thrown into the mix as well. So what specifically triggers instances of blurred vision for those living with fibromyalgia?

After consulting numerous studies and vision health experts, weve identified key factors that are likely to play a role in fibromyalgia-related vision disturbances like blurred vision:

Central Nervous System Dysfunction

As mentioned previously, the prevailing theory behind blurred vision and visual overstimulation in fibro patients relates to CNS dysfunction. Researchers believe the CNS misinterprets normal visual signals as threatening, triggering defensive inflammation that ends up damaging vision function.

Changes in Brain Chemistry

Imbalances in brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine arising from dysfunctional pain pathways seem tied to vision abnormalities as well. These neurotransmitters directly impact visual processing capabilities.

Side Effects of Medications

Certain drugs commonly used by fibromyalgia patients also list blurred vision as a potential side effect. These include muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine, anti-seizure meds like gabapentin and even over-the-counter painkillers when taken long-term.

Migraines and Headaches

Fibromyalgia and migraines share several underlying causes and commonly co-occur together. Since aura vision changes can signal the onset of a migraine, this could trigger temporary blurred vision for some fibro patients.

Eye Strain and Fatigue

Long-term exhaustion from sleep deprivation and constant pain takes a toll on eye muscles over time. Stressed eye muscles lose their ability to quickly shift focus and accommodate changes in light levels or distances, causing easy eye fatigue and blurred vision episodes.

Anxiety and Depression

Vision and mental health have intimate connections in the brain. For fibro patients also struggling with heightened anxiety or depression, this can essentially overload the visual processing system and its ability to filter information efficiently.

Preventing Fibromyalgia Blurred Vision Flare-Ups

While the root causes of fibromyalgia itself still remain a mystery, steps can be taken to minimize flare-ups of related symptoms like blurred vision. Some proactive tactics to reduce episodes of fibro blurred vision include:

Adjusting Lighting Setups

Increasing neutral ambient light while lowering intense overhead lights, reflected glare and use of digital screens at night helps prevent overstimulating your visual system.

Practicing Regular Eye Stretches and Massages

Gently stretching and massaging eye muscles encourages blood flow and relieves muscle tightness that can interfere with focusing ability.

Blinking More and Using Eyedrops

Blinking spreads tears across the eyes, keeping surfaces properly lubricated. Using over-the-counter eyedrops supplements natural tears to further combat dryness and irritation.

Wearing Blue Light Blocking Lenses

Filtering out excessive high energy blue light emitted by electronics and LED/fluorescent bulbs takes significant strain off vision function.

Taking Regular Movement and Vision Breaks

Getting up frequently to walk around not only reduces eyestrain but also gives vision processing centers short rests to clear overload buildup.

Boosting Key Nutrients

Ensuring adequate intake vitamin A for night vision, lutein and zeaxanthin for glare reduction, omega-3s for dry eyes and B complex vitamins for optic nerves equips eyes with vital compounds for working properly.

When to See a Doctor About Fibromyalgia Blurred Vision

Occasional brief bouts of fuzzy vision lasting just a minute or two often simply represent normal eye fatigue. But any consistent, recurring or worsening blurred vision accompanied by other concerning eye symptoms warrants having an eye doctor evaluate your situation.

Seek prompt medical advice if you experience any of the following vision changes in the context of your fibromyalgia:

• Sudden loss of vision or blocked fields of vision
• Flashing lights, odd visual hallucinations or double vision
• Pain or redness in or around the eyes
• Veins/blood vessels becoming more visible in whites of eyes
• Seeing halos around lights
• Vision getting continuously worse over a few weeks

While some level of blurred vision from fibromyalgia may be unavoidable due to neurological origins, significant vision deterioration could signal an underlying eye condition requiring further diagnosis. Catching other issues early maximizes chances for reversing damage before it becomes permanent.

Seeing Clearly Through Holistic Fibromyalgia Support

Coping with fibromyalgia extends far beyond popping pills for pain management. Gaining control over its array of symptoms for improved day-to-day function requires holistic support tailored to ones unique needs.

This includes self-care practices like stress reduction techniques, dietary changes to avoid inflammation triggers, moderate exercise plans that complement energy reserves and exploring complementary modalities like accupuncture, massage and CBD oil.

Building a compassionate healthcare team proficient in fibromyalgia care marks a game-changing first step. Specialist doctors can connect patients to critical resources while coordinating referrals to address specific areas of impairment life vision issues.

Regaining clarity of vision bolsters confidence and independence when fibromyalgia has already taken so much. But through the many emerging options for treatment support and creative lifestyle adaptations, the future continues getting brighter for fibro patients learning to navigate their realities.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.