During these dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re hearing more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This is in large part due to the fact that “long haulers” — those who have trouble shaking the disease — often suffer from CFS.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, and unfortunately, it does not improve with rest.
This definition is consistent for many of those patients who are having trouble clearing COVID-19 months after becoming infected.
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome — Eye Symptomology
CFS can be difficult to diagnose because, apart from the fatigue, there are few definitive signs of the condition.
However, researchers have begun to investigate the fact that people with CFS consistently experience problems with their eyes. These issues include symptoms such as:
- light sensitivity
- dry, itchy or painful eyes
- difficulty focusing
- eye strain
- vision-related headaches
- slow eye movements
- problems tracking moving objects
Research may help with early CFS diagnosis
In a new research project, the team will test 50 participants who have CFS on a number of parameters. The results will then be compared to information from a control group of 50 participants without CFS.
The researchers believe that if they can isolate the visual problems common to people with CFS, then earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments will follow.
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