Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder known for its wide-ranging symptoms, from persistent musculoskeletal pain to cognitive difficulties. However, one aspect that often goes underappreciated is the impact of visual disturbances on individuals living with fibromyalgia. In this blog post, we'll explore the various visual disturbances associated with fibromyalgia, including palinopsia, and discuss strategies for managing them.
Understanding Visual Disturbances in Fibromyalgia:
Visual disturbances in fibromyalgia encompass a spectrum of symptoms that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. These disturbances may include:
Blurred vision: Many individuals with fibromyalgia report experiencing intermittent or persistent blurred vision, making it challenging to focus on tasks such as reading or driving.
Sensitivity to light: Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is a common complaint among fibromyalgia patients. Bright lights, especially fluorescent or flickering lights, can trigger discomfort and exacerbate other fibromyalgia symptoms.
Visual snow: Visual snow refers to the perception of tiny, flickering dots or static across the visual field, similar to the noise on a television screen. This phenomenon can be distracting and disorienting for those affected.
Flashing lights: Some individuals with fibromyalgia may experience flashes of light or visual disturbances resembling lightning bolts or sparkles. These flashes can occur spontaneously or in response to external stimuli.
Palinopsia: Palinopsia, also known as "visual trailing" or "afterimages," is a visual disturbance where images persist even after the stimulus has been removed. Individuals with fibromyalgia may experience palinopsia as a persistent and distracting phenomenon, making it difficult to focus on tasks requiring visual attention. Imagine looking at a bright light or a moving object and continuing to see its outline even after you've shifted your gaze elsewhere. This is akin to what individuals with fibromyalgia and palinopsia may experience regularly. It can manifest as trailing images following the movement of objects, letters, or even shadows.
Causes of Visual Disturbances in Fibromyalgia:
The exact mechanisms underlying visual disturbances in fibromyalgia are not fully understood. However, several factors may contribute to these symptoms, including:
Central sensitization: Fibromyalgia is associated with central sensitization, a process in which the central nervous system becomes hypersensitive to sensory stimuli. This heightened sensitivity can manifest as increased perception of visual disturbances.
Neurochemical imbalances: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which are involved in pain processing and sensory perception, may play a role in visual disturbances in fibromyalgia.
Musculoskeletal tension: Chronic muscle tension and stiffness, common symptoms of fibromyalgia, can affect the muscles surrounding the eyes and contribute to eye strain and visual disturbances.
Managing Visual Disturbances in Fibromyalgia:
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing visual disturbances in fibromyalgia, several strategies may help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being:
Optimize lighting: Avoiding harsh or flickering lights and using soft, diffused lighting can help reduce eye strain and photophobia. Installing glare-reducing filters on screens and windows may also be beneficial.
Take regular breaks: Engaging in activities that involve prolonged visual concentration, such as reading or screen time, can exacerbate visual disturbances. Taking frequent breaks to rest the eyes and stretch the muscles can help alleviate strain.
Practice stress management: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms, including visual disturbances. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
Consult with healthcare professionals: If visual disturbances are significantly impacting daily functioning, it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals, including optometrists and neurologists, to rule out any underlying conditions and explore potential treatment options.
In conclusion, visual disturbances are a common yet often overlooked aspect of fibromyalgia. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing appropriate management strategies, individuals living with fibromyalgia can better cope with these challenging symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing visual disturbances in conjunction with fibromyalgia, don't hesitate to seek support from healthcare professionals who can provide tailored guidance and support.
Links:
Does Fibromyalgia Affect Eyesight?
Fibromyalgia syndrome and the eye-A review
Fibromyalgia, the Optic Nerve, and Neurodegeneration
References:
Clauw, D. J. (2014). Fibromyalgia: a clinical review. JAMA, 311(15), 1547-1555.
Häuser, W., Ablin, J., Perrot, S., Fitzcharles, M. A., (2015). Management of fibromyalgia: practical guides from recent evidence-based guidelines. Polish Archives of Internal Medicine, 125(6), 382-393.
Vincent, A., & Lahr, B. D. (2015). Wolfe F. Prevalence of fibromyalgia: a population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, utilizing the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Arthritis Care & Research, 67(6), 911-915.
Kosek, E., Cohen, M., Baron, R., Gebhart, G. F., Mico, J. A., Rice, A. S., & Rief, W. (2016). Do we need a third mechanistic descriptor for chronic pain states? Pain, 157(7), 1382-1386.
Ceko, M., Bushnell, M. C., Gracely, R. H., (2012). Neurobiology underlying fibromyalgia symptoms. Pain Research and Treatment, 2012, 585419.
Blyth, F. M., & Schug, S. A. (2016). Chronic pain and chronic pain management. Medical Journal of Australia, 204(8), 357-362.
Gracely, R. H., Petzke, F., Wolf, J. M., & Clauw, D. J. (2002). Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence of augmented pain processing in fibromyalgia. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 46(5), 1333-1343.
Schmidt-Wilcke, T., Clauw, D. J., (2011). Fibromyalgia: from pathophysiology to therapy. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 7(9), 518-527.
Wolfe, F., Walitt, B., & Katz, R. S. (2010). Hauser W. Symptoms, the nature of fibromyalgia, and diagnostic and statistical manual 5 (DSM-5) defined mental illness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. PloS One, 5(2), e9294.
Meeus, M., Nijs, J., (2007). Central sensitization: a biopsychosocial explanation for chronic widespread pain in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Clinical Rheumatology, 26(4), 465-473.
