Fibromyalgia, a pathology characterized by pain and fatigue, It affects several spheres of patients’ health, such as vision.
In fact, Dr. María José González, from the Rheumatology Service of the Hospital Universitari Dexeus (Barcelona), explained in August of this year to the Spanish media The vanguard that in a large number of cases, fibromyalgia can be associated with ocular pathology and present visual disturbances, dry eye and changes in corneal sensitivity.
Regarding dry eye syndrome, which between 20 and 35% of people with fibromyalgia suffer from this pathology, begin to experience the following symptoms:
– Pain when wearing contact lenses
– Itching and burning in the eyes.
– Fluctuating blurred vision, especially when reading.
– Feeling of tiredness and heaviness in the eyes.
– Secretion or a kind of once morest the edge of the eyelids.
– Constant tearing that appears as a defense mechanism.
– Sensation of grit in the sight.
– Red and irritated eyes.
– Hypersensitivity or intolerance to light
Symptoms that help detect the disease
As explained by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), Experts do not yet know what causes this condition. In some cases it can be hereditary.
Those who have rheumatic conditions or other diseases that generate pain or mood disorders, are at increased risk for fibromyalgia. These include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (often just known as lupus).
- ankylosing spondylitis.
- Osteoarthritis (also known as osteoarthritis).
- depression or anxiety
- Chronic back pain.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
Meanwhile, Medline Plus points out the symptoms that can help detect the disease. In case of presenting them, you should go to the doctor so that he can make the correct diagnosis.
- Pain and stiffness throughout the body.
- Fatigue and tiredness.
- Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration (known as brain fog or “blackouts”)
- Depression and anxiety.
- Headaches, including migraines.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
- Pain in the face or jaw, including a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder.
- Trouble sleeping.
In accordance with Mayo Clinicfibromyalgia can occur along with other conditions such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- Migraine and other types of headaches.
- Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Postural tachycardia syndrome.
Treatment
There is no cure for fibromyalgia yet. Doctors provide treatment to help manage the disease and have quality of life. In most cases, there is a combination of different treatments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentions them:
- “Medications, including prescription and over-the-counter pain relief medications.
- Aerobic exercises and muscle strengthening exercises.
- Patient education classes, usually in community or primary care settings.
- Stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and massage.
- Good sleep habits to improve your quality.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat underlying depression. CBT is a type of talk therapy with the goal of changing the way people act or think.”
Changes in lifestyle
Doctors may also recommend making some modifications in the daily routine to contribute to the quality of life of people who suffer from this disease. Some of these changes may include:
- Exercise regularly.
- Learn to control stress.
- Have a balanced diet.
- Sleep well.