The Effect of Fibromyalgia on Vision

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain at multiple tender points, joint stiffness, and systemic symptoms (e.g., mood disorders, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and insomnia) without a well-defined underlying organic disease. One of the areas that is commonly overlooked in fibromyalgia patients is the eye. The eye contains six muscles and therefor it should come as no surprise that it is commonly affected leading to visual problems in most patients. Even though it is agreed that visual problems are a common symptom in fibromyalgia, the chronicity and the causes are still debatable. Most have agreed that due to fibromyalgia affecting the nervous system, it will also effect the nerves in the eyes; causing them to deteriorate and leading to symptoms like diplopia and dry eyes. These symptoms may only be simple but will certainly be aggravated by another underlying condition or medication. Others have argued that these symptoms only exist as a side effect of the medication prescribed to the patients to relieve the other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. This report is aimed to compare between these three different opinions.