Nerve pain in eyes after withdrawal

[[ja...]]

Since I withdrew from Xanax one year ago I have had nonstop eye pain every second of the day. I have been to umpteen ophthalmologists who say nothing wrong with my eyes. Of course my anxiety is out of control. Has anyone had this and, if so, what do you do about it? 

[[Rh...]]

Yes!!!! I was just frantically searching this group and other groups to see if anyone else has this!  Mine is so bad it causes pressure and migraines and I wake up with it each day.

I also get like painful zaps that come and go and alternate between eyes.  And one eye can hurt and then move to the other or both.

I am assuming it’s all WD related as it didn’t start till I came off 10 months ago, but I hate it and pray everyday it will go away.

I’m not very good at practicing acceptance because it’s painful and prevents me from fully living.  
 

Do you also have light sensitivity?  Mine becomes worse as the day goes on too.

 

PS. From what I understand benzos are muscle relaxants and therefore relax all the muscles in our bodies, even in our eyes, so when we come off it can cause lots of muscle issues.  I know I also have horrible muscle issues in my neck and shoulders so it makes sense!

Edited May 2 by [Rh...]
Added info

[[Bo...]]

Oh yes, photophobia and others have been a big issue for me in this. Light sensitivity, stabbing eye pain , diagnosed with dry eyes during this never had before, had to spend 10 weeks and I pitch black room after jumping. Extreme pressure behind the eyes, etc..
I’ve also had eye doctor appointments and they have indicated it’s a nerve issue which makes sense because benzos suppress nerves everywhere. Was recommended to go to a neuro ophthalmologist but  haven’t been able to make it yet.

Was talking to another person in this and she mentioned she sees a neuro ophthalmologist so you might to give you some comfort make an appointment with this type of ophthalmologist if you haven’t done so already?

She has some issues with her cranial nerves, causing her eye problems, but a neuro ophthalmologist is the best one to see in this to give you the all clear.

You might see if trying some over-the-counter make sure that they are preservative free eyedrop helps any of the pain because sometimes the eye pain and stabbing pain is a result of dry eyes, but eye doctor would’ve mentioned this.

celluvisc is a good one but just see if any of them help at all a but again make sure they’re preservative free. 
 

bruder eye mask helps some but more for dry eyes, big shades and hats in sunlight, I’ve had to wear sunglasses inside bc of photophobia. Just insane nonsense in all this but we do what we can to help cope thru.

hope you get some good feedback from neuro opth and can reduce your anxiety. 
 

 

 

[[Mu...]]

I had severe eye pain and light sensitivity for approximately 3 months. Could not drive at night could not read. Optometrist said eyes were perfectly healthy. Panicked and saw wife's retna specialist, assured eyes were healthy. After approx 3 months it disappeared. Optometrist said it was probably my benzo withdrawal. 

Music60 

[[PE...]]

On 02/05/2024 at 13:30, [[j...] said:

Since I withdrew from Xanax one year ago I have had nonstop eye pain every second of the day. I have been to umpteen ophthalmologists who say nothing wrong with my eyes. Of course my anxiety is out of control. Has anyone had this and, if so, what do you do about it? 

Sounds like migraine. Does it feels swollen like they will pop out of there sockets?

 

[[PE...]]

14 hours ago, [[M...] said:

I had severe eye pain and light sensitivity for approximately 3 months. Could not drive at night could not read. Optometrist said eyes were perfectly healthy. Panicked and saw wife's retna specialist, assured eyes were healthy. After approx 3 months it disappeared. Optometrist said it was probably my benzo withdrawal. 

Music60 

That sounds like migraine too!

Light sensitivity and hurting eyes.

[[...]]

 

I had kind of sore eyes as if there was a big speck inside or they were scratched. Extremely painful but no more than for a few days in a row. One eye or both. It still comes if i'm through a wave but very seldom. Not sure whether it's nerve pain or not.