Understanding Fibromyalgia Eye Pain and Pressure Symptoms

Understanding Fibromyalgia Eye Pain and Pressure

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain condition that affects over 5 million adults in the United States. The hallmark symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread muscle pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and cognitive dysfunction. However, some people with fibromyalgia also experience symptoms like eye pain and pressure.

What Causes Fibromyalgia Eye Pain?

The root cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, but researchers believe it involves neurological abnormalities that cause the central nervous system to process pain signals differently. This also affects how the brain and nerves communicate with the muscles, joints, and organs.

The same nervous system dysfunction is likely responsible for fibromyalgia eye symptoms like pain, pressure, blurred vision, dryness, and light sensitivity. Several factors can trigger and exacerbate these eye issues:

• Chronic nerve pain and inflammation
• Muscle tension and spasms around the eyes
• Abnormal pain signal processing
• Anxiety and stress
• Eye strain from squinting and difficulty focusing
• Side effects of medications

Common Fibromyalgia Eye Symptoms

While any eye symptom is possible with fibromyalgia, some of the most frequently reported include:

• Eye Pain Fuzzy eye pain and discomfort is common. It may feel like stabbing, throbbing, stinging or gritty pain in the eyes.
• Pressure Behind the Eyes Many people with fibromyalgia experience head pain and sinuses pressure that radiates behind the eye sockets.
• Dry Eyes & Eye Strain Chronic dry eye is typical and can cause discomfort, vision changes, redness and the urge to rub the eyes.
• Light & Noise Sensitivity Hypersensitivity involves intolerance to bright lights and loud sounds, forcing people to squint or shut their eyes.
• Visual Changes Some fibromyalgia patients have double vision, blurry vision, loss of focus and problems seeing contrast.

Managing Fibromyalgia Eye Pain and Discomfort

Dealing with constant widespread body pain plus eye pain and pressure can feel unbearable. Luckily, several treatment strategies may help provide relief. Options to improve fibromyalgia eye symptoms include:

• Over-the-Counter Eye Drops Drops that lubricate and moisturize dry eyes can work wonders.
• Pain Medications Prescription or OTC drugs that treat headaches and nerve pain may ease eye discomfort.
• Heat & Cold Therapy Applying warm compresses and cool packs around the eyes reduces muscle tension and relaxes ocular nerves.
• Light Sensitivity Glasses Special green light-blocking eyeglasses filter out excess light to relieve sensitivity and strain.
• Acupuncture Clinical studies indicate facial and body acupuncture stimulation alleviates fibromyalgia eye pain.
• Relaxation & Stress Reduction Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, massage and yoga calm the nervous system to attenuate pain signals.

Using Green Light-Filtering Glasses for Fibromyalgia Eye Issues

Exciting new research shows that wearing special glasses with green lenses may reduce eye discomfort, light sensitivity, pain and headache symptoms related to fibromyalgia. But how do these unique green glasses for migraines and fibromyalgia eye pain work?

The Science Behind Green Light Filter Lenses

Green light wavelengths have natural calming effects on the central nervous system. The theory is that filtering excess green light spectrum exposure helps normalize neurological communication, muscle tone and pain signal transmission.

This gentle process of blocking specific colors seems to rebalance brain chemistry that controls sensory information. There is also evidence that limiting glare and eye strain lowers anxiety, which further reduces discomfort and pain.

Green Migraine Glasses Clinical Trial Findings

A pilot study tested green-tinted, anti-glare glasses on 15 fibromyalgia patients with light sensitivity and chronic headaches. The participants wore these special glasses for up to 6 hours daily for 3 weeks. Over 85% reported substantially less head pain and light sensitivity. They also used fewer opioids and had less anxiety about dealing with symptoms.

These results were incredibly promising for both eye issues and broader fibromyalgia pain. Larger scale studies may help validate initial findings and shed light on optimal use time requirements. For example, some users wear green glasses whenever indoors under artificial lighting, while others only during symptom flares.

Where to Buy Green Light Filter Glasses

Green light filtering glasses are available online and at some optometry offices. They are often marketed for migraine headache and light sensitivity relief. Prices typically range from around $8 for basic clip-ons up to $100 or more for high quality prescription lenses.

Some top options for green migraine and fibromyalgia glasses include Axon Optics, TheraSpecs and FL-41 glasses. Be sure to measure your current glasses and consider lens type (anti-glare, polarized, etc.) based on your specific eye issues and needs.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Fibromyalgia Eye Strain & Pain Flare Ups

While green light filtering glasses may help manage light sensitivity, they cannot cure fibromyalgia eye pain. Thats why its equally important to make daily lifestyle changes to support eye health and limit strain. Helpful habits include:

• Blinking regularly and doing eye stretches
• Looking away from screens often
• Staying hydrated to lubricate eyes
• Wearing sunglasses outdoors
• Keeping rooms dim with adjustable lighting
• Getting enough sleep to rest eyes and nervous system
• Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation
• Massaging pressure points around the eyes, nose and temples

While frustrating, many people find their fibromyalgia eye pressure and headaches respond well to natural treatments plus support from eye doctors. Being proactive with self-care helps you take back control of symptoms.

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.