Fibromyalgia Linked to Higher Rates of Astigmatism, Dry Eye, and MGD: Study
Turkiye: New research shows that individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) have significantly higher rates of astigmatism, dry eye disease (DED), and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) compared to those without the condition, highlighting the need for regular anterior eye assessments in this population.
Published in Rheumatology International, the cross-sectional study explored the potential link between FMS and ocular surface health by comparing various eye parameters between FMS patients and healthy individuals. Conducted between August and November 2024 at a tertiary care hospital, the study included a thorough evaluation of the anterior segment of the eye, focusing on central corneal thickness, visual acuity, refraction values, intraocular pressure, and signs of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.
Key Findings:
- The study included 71 individuals with fibromyalgia and a matched control group.
- There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of uncorrected/best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent, or corneal thickness.
- Astigmatism was significantly higher in the fibromyalgia group; median right eye astigmatism was −0.50 diopters in FMS patients vs. −0.12 diopters in controls.
- A similar trend of higher astigmatism in the left eye was observed in FMS patients, though not statistically significant.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition affecting the glands responsible for secreting oils essential for maintaining a stable tear film, was identified in 36.6% of fibromyalgia patients, compared to 4.3% in the control group.
- Dry eye disease was detected in 60.6% of individuals with fibromyalgia, while only 21.4% of the control group showed signs of DED.
The study emphasizes that although basic visual performance remains largely unaffected in fibromyalgia, the condition may increase the risk of anterior segment abnormalities. These findings point toward possible ocular involvement in fibromyalgia and suggest the condition could influence the eye's surface environment.
Given the significant presence of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction in FMS patients, the researchers recommend regular eye checkups for individuals with the condition. Burhan Fatih Kocyigit from Adana City Training and Research Hospital in Adana, Türkiye, and colleagues also note the importance of further studies to explore the underlying mechanisms driving these changes. Future research should aim to understand how factors such as medication, autonomic nervous system imbalances, and associated mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, might contribute to the development of ocular issues in fibromyalgia.
"Ultimately, these insights could guide better screening strategies and inform more comprehensive management plans for FMS patients, extending care beyond musculoskeletal symptoms to include eye health monitoring," they concluded.
Reference:
Emekli, D.T., Sahutoglu, E., Öztürk, G.Y. et al. Anterior segment alterations in fibromyalgia syndrome: a cross-sectional study on dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, and astigmatism. Rheumatol Int 45, 120 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-025-05872-w
