What Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Tells You about Your Vision

  Last Updated on January 16, 2023 by Aaron Barriga

An estimated 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome each year. Most people do not get this illness diagnosed and have to live with the symptoms for a major part of their lives. While there is no single test to confirm the onset of the illness, there is a series of other tests to rule out other problems that have symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Sore Throat
• Extreme exhaustion due to physical or mental exercise
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
• Poor concentration or loss of memory
• Chronic insomnia

There are also a number of other symptoms that patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome may experience. These may include dizziness or fainting, food or medication allergies, anxiety, irritability or depression, and patients may also experience visual disturbances such as blurry vision and sensitivity to light.

The Connection between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Vision

Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome usually complain of itchy or watery eyes. While rubbing your eyes may seem like a harmless thing to do, chronic eye rubbing can lead to poor vision. Itchy eyes can feel like a foreign body stuck in your eye and the most natural instinct is to remove the object. However, this is not a good idea because rubbing against the object or the spot where your eyes itch can very easily scratch the cornea. This most often results in blurry vision which can affect your ability to perform day-to-day activities. Here are 3 daily activities that can be affected by poor vision:

1. Reading
   We rely majorly on our vision to read everything from small fonts on our computer screens to street signs. It is difficult to get through the day with poor vision and simply wearing your glasses may not be enough to correct your vision.
2. Driving
   Being able to drive requires maximum attention to detail, but most of us take this ability for granted. If you have blurry vision, you may lose some of your independence and driving in the daylight may be your only option.
3. Household Chores
   Keeping the house clean requires a good amount of time. But when your vision is compromised, household chores take a longer time to finish.

Problems Due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The most common problem that patients of chronic fatigue syndrome report is periods of blurred or foggy vision. This happens mostly when they stand up and feel lightheaded. However, chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with a few other problems such as:

1. Slowness or difficulty in focusing on objects, especially the ones that are closer
2. Tunnel vision i.e. not being able to see objects in peripheral (side) vision
3. Feeling dizzy looking at moving objects
4. Seeing flashes of light
5. Being uncomfortable in sunlight or brightly lit rooms
6. Having a itchy, dry, or burning sensation in eyes

Treatment Options

1. For temporary and instant relief, artificial tears can soothe dry or irritated eyes.
2. Apply a warm washcloth over your eyes three to four times a day to relieve itchy and sensitive eyes.
3. Prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications can also provide relief from dizziness and fatigue.

Lifestyle Changes

1. Eliminate caffeine from your diet and consume beverages like green tea, chrysanthemum tea, and lemon water.
2. Limit your alcohol and nicotine intake.
3. Follow a sleep schedule and sleep at the same time every night.
4. Incorporate yoga and tai chi to your morning routine.

While these tips can improve your vision, it is important to consult a doctor before altering your routine or consuming medicines. If you have been suffering from this condition and are looking for experienced Ophthalmologists in Fresno, visit Insight Vision today.