When Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Harms Vision
Blurring, intolerance to light, headaches from reading — these are just a few of the vision problems that often come with chronic fatigue syndrome.
By Beth W. OrensteinMedically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Reviewed: March 4, 2010
Many people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) also experience problems with their vision. Doctors believe that these vision-related chronic fatigue symptoms stem from brain dysfunction more than eye dysfunction. The signals that the brain sends to the eyes to let you know where you are and what you're seeing may not be functioning properly when you have chronic fatigue syndrome.
Vision Problems and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: It's All a Blur
Most often, patients report having periods where everything appears blurry or seems foggy. "This will happen most commonly when they stand up and get lightheaded," says Peter Rowe, MD, director of the Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore.
Other vision problems that chronic fatigue syndrome patients report include:
Difficulty or slowness in focusing on objects, usually those that are close up
Not being able to see objects in side or peripheral vision — some say they feel as though they have tunnel vision
Feeling dizzy and not being able to tolerate looking at moving objects
Seeing floaters and flashes of light
Being intolerant to light — "They find it uncomfortable to be in brightly lit rooms and outdoors in the bright sunshine," Dr. Rowe says.
Feeling as though eyes are dry or that they burn, itch, or feel gritty
The Effects of Vision Problems on Activities
Chronic fatigue syndrome patients usually find that their vision problems worsen toward the evening as they get more tired, Rowe says. As a result, people with chronic fatigue syndrome often find they have difficulty concentrating, particularly when reading.
Vision problems and the related discomfort also can make it hard for CFS patients to finish everyday tasks. You may have difficulty judging distances, which makes driving a problem. Also, headaches and dizziness may make it difficult to stand to cook or clean.
Getting the Right Eye Care When You Have Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome patients will often visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist when they experience vision problems. "But usually the eye exam of someone with chronic fatigue syndrome is normal," Rowe says. Prescription lenses may not help because vision changes rapidly. If you do wear glasses, tints may reduce sensitivity to light.
Because blurred or foggy vision is the most common problem, the solution is to improve the blood flow to the brain, Rowe says. "Visual blurring tends to be a temporary symptom and more related to lightheadedness and brain blood flow." You may need to see a cardiologist or a neurologist to treat dizziness or lightheadedness.
Certainly, if you have chronic fatigue syndrome and find that you can't tolerate bright lighting, you should wear good sunglasses when you're outdoors, Rowe says.
Medications Can Help Vision Problems
Dry or irritated eyes can be treated with drops that lubricate the eyes; they may provide temporary relief. Warm compresses may also help, as will drinking fluids. Some chronic fatigue syndrome patients experience the opposite problem: watery eyes often caused by allergies; in this case, you may find it helpful to take over-the-counter antihistamines.
If you experience floaters, see an eye care professional immediately to be sure the cause is not a retinal tear. In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, the floaters you see are generally harmless and do not require treatment. Over-the-counter pain medications or prescription drugs may help with headaches brought on by fatigue or dizziness.
Patients are likely to find that their chronic fatigue symptoms, including vision problems, worsen the more fatigued they are. You should talk to your doctor about the best way to treat the CFS symptoms that you find the most disruptive and disabling.
Sign up for our Chronic Pain Newsletter!
The Latest in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
How We Feel About Disability and What We Say About It
By Trevis Gleason January 27, 2023
MS Webcast: A Healthy Body Equals a Healthy Brain
Dravet Syndrome Treatment: Medication, Diet, and Other Therapies
There is no cure for Dravet syndrome, but medications and other therapies can help control seizures.
By Joseph Bennington-Castro January 25, 2023
Can Wearable Ice Packs Really Relieve Migraine Attacks?
This TikTok trend is worth considering if you'd like an easy home remedy to add to your migraine treatment regimen.
By Shannon Ullman January 24, 2023
How LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG Therapy Can Improve Speech and Movement in People With Parkinson's Disease
These intensive, monthlong interventions can help people with Parkinson's continue to stay engaged and connected.
By Becky Upham January 23, 2023
What You Need to Know About IBS and Migraine
Researchers have found a connection between migraine and irritable bowel syndrome. If you have both, here's what you can do.
By Elizabeth Shimer Bowers January 23, 2023
Assistive Technology for Cerebral Palsy
Learn more about the latest tools for people with CP, some different options to get access to them, and how to get started.
By Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC January 22, 2023
When to Rehab, When to Rest
Fungal Meningitis: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
5 Foods to Avoid if You Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cross these energy sappers off your grocery list and replace them with healthy, delicious fare that can help you feel better.
By Rosemary Black October 6, 2015
Ankylosing Spondylitis: How to Deal With Fatigue
Is Adrenal Fatigue Real?
Types of Down Syndrome