My Battle with ME: When Fatigue Affects My Vision
My Battle with ME: When Fatigue Affects My Vision
Living with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) has presented me with a variety of challenges, one of the most difficult being the impact on my vision. As with fatigue, a common symptom of ME/CFS, sets in, I often find that my vision becomes blurry or hazy, making it difficult to focus on tasks or even just see clearly. This has been frustrating and sometimes overwhelming, as it adds an extra layer of difficulty to my daily life.
At times, the fatigue from ME/CFS can be so overwhelming that it feels like my eyes are struggling to focus, causing blurred vision or even double vision. This not only makes simple tasks like reading or watching TV difficult, but it can also be quite disorienting and frustrating.
In addition to the physical aspect of my vision being affected by fatigue, a symptom of ME/CFS, I've also noticed that my mental clarity and ability to concentrate on visual tasks are diminished when I'm particularly tired. This can make it hard to process information quickly or make decisions based on visual cues.
The connection between fatigue and vision issues in ME/CFS is not fully understood, but it is believed that the strain of dealing with constant fatigue (mind and body fatigue) can affect the eyes and how they function. Additionally, the brain fog and cognitive difficulties that accompany ME/CFS can further exacerbate vision problems, making it even harder to see clearly.
The Onset of Eye Fatigue
Over time, I’ve noticed a significant deterioration. It's not just the widespread pain and rigidity spasms associated with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) - there are many other symptoms. There are days when fatigue overwhelms me so much to the point where my eyes feel unbearably heavy and tired. They start to roll back, pleading for what feels like a shutdown, even at midday –any time of the day.
But, sleeping during daylight hours isn't an option because it disrupts my evening sleep pattern which is critical for my overall health with ME/CFS, further complicating sleep disturbances.
Struggling Against Daytime Naps
This self-set rule of not sleeping during daylight often feels like a huge battle, especially when my body shuts down and my eyes are rolling back. Despite being determined to maintain good sleep health by avoiding daytime naps, sometimes it's just impossible. Sometimes, I find myself succumbing to fatigue (a common symptom of ME/CFS).
No matter how strong-willed I am, my broken body has its own agenda; sometimes I simply have no choice but to sleep, a testament to the relentless fatigue associated with ME/CFS.
Blurred Vision: An Unexpected Impact
Another issue that I've grappled with is blurred vision. Apart from regular eye issues like needing glasses for sight correction, what's concerning now is how rapidly my eyesight seems to get worse, a symptom that's increasingly common with ME/CFS.
To add another layer of complexity, double vision also torments me sporadically, specifically in my right eye accompanied by a deep dull ache - pain almost indescribable in words, highlighting the multifaceted symptoms of ME/CFS.
Post-exertional malaise (PEM), also known as a 'crash’
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) episodes are a debilitating symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). When I experience a PEM episode (aka a 'crash'), it feels like a sudden crash in my energy level and health, which drastically worsens my symptoms. It can be triggered by even minor physical or mental exertion, such as walking a short distance, having a bath or a brief conversation. During a PEM episode, my sensory functions are significantly affected, including my eyesight, which becomes blurry and difficult to focus. These PEM episodes can last for days or even weeks, leaving me feeling exhausted and unable to participate in daily life.
PEM is a debilitating and long-lasting symptom that significantly impacts our daily functioning.
Seeking Medical Insight and Reassurance
I visited the optician twice within a few months due to my blurred vision. Initially, I was told my vision issues were just normal effects of ageing (because I am over 40), but a subsequent visit to different opticians offered more insight. This time, the optician acknowledged that my symptoms would be related to ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), a condition I hadn't considered in my diagnosis journey.
Upon expressing my concerns about ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) potentially causing my deteriorating eye health, the optician surprisingly agreed, mentioning his wife also battles the condition. He reassured me that eye fatigue could indeed be a symptom of ME/CFS, leaving me feeling a mix of reassurance and frustration, knowing my eyesight might not improve.
Final thoughts
To manage the visual symptoms of ME/CFS, I've adopted several coping strategies, including taking regular breaks to rest my eyes, which helps lessen the strain and improve my vision. Adjusting my surroundings for better lighting is another change I've made to ease the symptoms and make living with chronic fatigue syndrome a bit more bearable.
Navigating life with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is a constant battle, facing new, unwelcome symptoms like persistent fatigue and blurred vision. Each day is about learning to adapt and finding ways to move forward despite the challenges of this chronic illness.
About me
I am a married mother of four children, in my mid 40's. I run a small business and enjoy writing, which is why I blog. My blog focuses on my experiences of living with chronic illnesses and disabilities such as ME/CFS, spinal stenosis, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.
