Sudden episodes of intense eye burning fatigue for years
Curious if anyone else experiences similar episodes.
I was diagnosed with dry eye 4 or 5 years ago by an optometrist who has some additional training in eye disease management. I was just told I had blocked glands based on a visual exam and given advice on drops and eye hygiene. I feel like my symptoms come and go and admittedly my compliance with home treatment also waxes and wanes. Learning on my own I added compresses and the 20/20/20 'rule.'
For several years I have had these intense and sudden episodes of crazy fatigue with burning eyes, feeling like I can barely keep my eyes open. It can last 10 minutes, an hour or the rest of the day. It happens at work (computer, 10 hour days 4 days a week), out and about (low stress and no screens) including shopping/indoors, outside, driving (the worst because I have to pull over).
I have spent years trying to figure these out. Gave up being vegan (17 years) in case it was my diet, home glucose checks, talked to my PCP reoeatedly, labs, went back on hormones (early menopause). Increased my water, modified when/how I eat. Increased my exercise. All kinds of strategies. And because it comes and goes sometimes I thought i figured it out. Briefly.
Now it occurred to me that maybe it's the damn dry eyes. Maybe the fact that the fatigue always comes with eye burning misery is the most important clue.
Anyone else?
(I have redoubled my eyecare routine and found a real ophthalmologist but appointment is pending).