For many of us living with fibromyalgia, the list of symptoms feels endless—and often invisible. Pain, fatigue, brain fog, sensory overload. But what if some of the discomfort we feel isn’t just neurological or muscular… but ocular?
A new study published in Rheumatology International has confirmed what many of us have long suspected: people with fibromyalgia have significantly higher rates of astigmatism, dry eye disease (DED), and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) compared to those without FMS. You can read the full article here.
What the Study Found
Researchers in Turkey conducted a cross-sectional analysis of fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls. While visual acuity and eye pressure were similar between groups, the FMS group showed:
Higher astigmatism in both eyes
36.6% prevalence of MGD (vs. 4.3% in controls)
60.6% prevalence of DED (vs. 21.4% in controls)
These findings suggest that ocular symptoms may be part of the fibromyalgia landscape, not just coincidental complaints.
Why This Matters
Many of us experience:
Blurred vision
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Eye pain or dryness
Trouble reading or focusing visually
These symptoms are often dismissed or misattributed. But this research points to autonomic nervous system dysfunction and immune system involvement as possible culprits—both of which are central to fibromyalgia.
It’s not “just in your head.” It’s in your eyes, too.
Connecting the Dots: Irlen Syndrome, Astigmatism, and Sensory Processing
Some in the chronic illness and neurodivergent communities have wondered aloud: could there be a link between fibromyalgia and Irlen Syndrome—a visual processing condition that causes distortions, headaches, and light sensitivity?
While Irlen isn’t an eye disorder per se, it overlaps with many fibro-related symptoms. And with this new data on astigmatism and dry eye, the connection feels worth exploring. Could sensory dysregulation be the thread that ties these experiences together?
What You Can Do
Ask for a full ocular assessment—especially if you experience visual discomfort
Track your symptoms and bring them to your provider with language like: “I’ve read that fibromyalgia may increase risk for dry eye and astigmatism. I’d like to explore this further.”
Consider tinted lenses or overlays if you suspect Irlen-like symptoms
Validate your experience—even if no one else has named it yet
Fibromyalgia is more than pain. It’s a multisystem condition that affects how we see, feel, and move through the world. This study is one more step toward recognition—and one more reason to trust your body’s signals.
If you’ve felt like “one of those people who has everything and a lot more,” you’re not alone. You’re part of a community that’s finally being seen.
You may be interested in my previous post on The Eyes and Fibromyalgia which explains some ways to reduce eye symptoms and has interesting information from people with these issues in the comments section.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for your input