HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

I'm 68 Female With Fibomyalgia For 50 Years. I Have New Problem Is With Sensitivity With My Eye What Is Your Opinion Doctor ?

Posted on Mon, 26 Dec 2022

Question: I'm 68 female with fibomyalgia for 50 years. I have all the common symptoms, one at a time now at the same time. My new problem is with sensitivity with my eyes. I've been told by 3 doctors 3 different things. One said dry eyes. one said allergies, one said 5% of people with fibromyalgia have very sensitive eyes, what is your opinion Doctor Rynne?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I thing it is dry eyes associated with fibromyalgia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

As one of the doctor said, fibromyalgia patients experience eye problems most commonly dry eyes.
Eye pain and dry eyes are common in chronic pain conditions including fibromyalgia. Allergy is unlikely.
You can use artificial tear drops and propyl methyl cellulose drops for symptomatic relief.
There nothing much to worry and symptomatic treatment only is needed.

Wishing you good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (12 hours later)

It is something to worry about because I've had to drastically change my life over the last 3 months. I wear three pair of sunglasses when I have to go out, sunglasses when I watch TV or look at a computer screen and can not go out to do anything but doctor's appointments. I've cancelled appointments because of the sun light and lights at the clinic. I can not read. I have all the blinds closed all the time. I need help.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed evaluation is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the follow up.
Your problem seems like excessive sensitivity to light also known as “photophobia”.
There is only supportive treatment required and we have to look for the underlying cause. In your case most probably it is idiopathic(with out any obvious cause). However we have to rule out some eye related problems and neurological causes like cataract which can also present like this.
It is better to consult an ophthalmologist to rule out any underlying causes. As of now continue artificial tears and use sunglasses
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (4 hours later)

I have seen 3 ophthalmologist. one said he didn't know but recommended refresh drops. one said the insides of my eyes were fine and the outside were dry. hence the systane. one month later, a second ophthalmologist said allergies and gave me eye drops called tobramycin. I used them for 2 weeks and then a 2 week refill. I am waiting to see him again next week. the drops did help some. a place called Medscape had an article that was titled 5% of people have very sensitive eyes associated with fibromyalgia. I can't find the article and only saw the title. I didn't read it. a family practice doctor said he had heard about the sensitive eyes but didn't know much about it.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can try the following methods

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the follow up!!
As I said earlier, you are having ultra sensitive eyes. The best method to tackle this condition is to address the underlying cause. In your case, you are inherently sensitive to light and we have to manage symptomatically. Eye drops do not have great role in this condition.
Try the following measures for symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid bright light and bright light sources.
2.Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection when outdoors in daylight.
3.Consider eye glasses with photochromic lenses.
4.In bright day light conditions, use polaroid glasses.
In extreme cases, prosthetic contact lenses may be needed after discussing with an ophthalmologist.
Wishing all the best.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (9 hours later)

I've done all of the things you recommended. My eyes are ultra sensitive to more than light. fans, air conditioning, wind and chemicals. for example, aerosols, laundry soap, new fabrics, stores, buildings with new carpets and furniture. things I've ordered from yesterday I opened the dishwasher to add a mug, the fumes from the dishwasher soap hit my eyes and I screamed in pain. what can I do?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try olapatidine eye drops.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Since all the usual measures filed we have to think of something different!
Since you are sensitive to a wide array of things, we have to chose some antiallergic measures.
You can try olapatidine eye drops which is an antihistamine drops available under the brand name “pazeo” or “Para day”. Have a word with your ophthalmologist before starting the drug.
It’s a steroid free drop and safely used.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (5 hours later)

Thanks so much. I am going to buy some this evening.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
All the best

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Wishing you all the best.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D