Your Eyes and Migraine Headache

Your Eyes and Migraine Headache

by | Feb 27, 2021 | Uncategorized

Headache is a common symptom of many health, stressful or vision/eye conditions and often presented by patients to eye care professionals as a reason for coming to do eye test. It should be noted that there are many types of headaches. Some are associated with vision defect. Some are not. The most commonly presented headache today are ‘ocular‘ and ‘migraine‘ headaches which will be discussed on this page.

Ocular headache is associated with eye strain and often results from a person’s uncorrected vision defect – e.g. Short or long sightedness, astigmatism etc.

The cause of migraine headache is not clearly understood. But some medical experts have linked it to dilation and contraction of the cranial (head) artery. Most people who get migraine headache often associate it with their eyes or the need to wear corrective glasses. Contrary to this assumption, prescription glasses do not stop a migraine headaches except in very rare cases where the ‘trigger factor’ of the migraine is eye strain due to uncorrected vision defect.

Trigger Factors

These are situations, conditions or factors that trigger migraine headaches. The trigger factor for some migraine patients may be noise, loud vibrating music, hunger or stress. For some, it could be very bright light, hot Sun, sleeplessness eating a certain type of food or nuts that they are allergic to. In some rare cases, menstrual period is a trigger factor for some women. Identifying and trying to stay away from the trigger factor helps a migraine patient take preventive measure which could be as simple as taking medication before the headache starts.

Symptoms 

Migraine is often one sided, mild or severe, could last for hours or days and may be associated with nausea, vomiting, light headedness or feeling upset. The severity, frequency of occurrence and duration is not the same for every migraine patient. Most migraine patients can not withstand bright light – they are photophobic.

Nevertheless, there are few cases where prolonged eye strain due to uncorrected vision defect may be a trigger factor. In these very rare cases, prescription glasses will help. However while most migraine patients may get relief from headache when they sleep in a completely dark and quiet room others must take medications to get a relief. Most Migraine Headache medications are non prescription medications

Computer Blue Light – Should You Be Concerned?

Computer Blue Light – Should You Be Concerned?

by | Feb 27, 2021 | Uncategorized

The use of computer and other digital devices have become an absolute necessity in almost everything we do today. These devices; computers, tablets, smart phones etc make our lives easy but not without some discomfort on the eyes. One component that is common with these devices is the screen. The screen illuminates and emits light which the eyes of the users are exposed to. A portion of this light is a high energy visible BLUE-Light (HEVBL ) and has in recent times become a great concern for digital display devices ( DDD ) users.

What is BLUE LIGHT all about?Blue-Light is a High Energy Visible Light ( HEVBL) in the light spectrum. It is made up of two portions I – The harmful portion ( 320 – 420 nm) which is some what, unsafe for the eyes and the unharmful portion (420 – 500 nm ) which is safe and essential to the eyes.

However, HEVBL is considered to be harmful to the eyes by some researchers and optical-products marketers claiming that HEVBL could put the eyes at a risk of developing macular degeneration and that exposure to it at night time could suppress the ‘sleep hormone’ ( melatonin ) which regulates the sleep cycle and mood.

From my understanding, exposure to ANY direct bright light at night can affect sleep hormone and sleep mood. In other words, constant or prolonged direct exposure of the eyes to ANY bright and unnatural light is unhealthy to the eyes. Not necessarily only the blue Light. Even though Blue-Light, for many computer users and children may be of concern, it should be remembered as I earlier said, that a portion of it is safe and healthy to the eyes and therefore should not trigger fear or anxiety among computer users.

However, the over-all effect of prolonged use of computer or other digital devices, which causes digital vision discomfort ( DVD ) should be of greater or equal concern as that of the blue light. But this seems to have been overlooked or at least, underrated in recent times due to the emphasis on Blue light by internet advertisement and marketers.

Causes of Digital Vision Discomfort And How to Prevent Or Handle it?

Computer Vision Discomfort (DVD) is a common eye/vision discomfort experienced by computer or Digital Display Device ( DDD ) users. Its causes are as follows;

1) Screen Brightness 

Excessive screen brightness produces reflective and distracting glare and cause of eye strain. You can reduce or eliminate this by tilting the screen of your device at a suitable glare-free angle or reducing the brightness of the screen and light source in your room ( or office, if you can ). Having an Anti-reflective ( anti-glare) coating on your lens if you wear glasses, should also help reduce such annoying glare.

2) Prolong Use 

Not giving your eyes a rest from prolonged focus on a digital device could put a lot of strain on your eye-muscles and cause visual fatigue. My advise is to take short breaks or adjust your focus by looking away from your computer screen. Look as far away as you can, within your surroundings. This will help relax strained muscles. Do this every 10 -15 minutes. With this practice, you don’t have to frequently leave your office desk.

3) Vision Defect 

A computer user with vision defect ( short sightedness, long sightedness etc) will experience discomfort with prolonged use. This may be eye strain, blurry vision, visual fatigue, headache, watery eyes etc. Eye examination and corrective lenses will be necessary in this case.

4) Blinking rate 

Your blinking rate reduces when working on the computer or DDD. And you may not be aware of it. This could make your eyes feel dry and cause burning sensation. Conscious frequent blinking will help in this case to lubricate the eyes if you don’t have Chronic Dry Eyes. However, if you have chronic dry eyes, this symptom may worsen and you would have to use an Eye drop as needed. Most of these Eye drops are OTC ( over the counter ) drops.

4) Font Size – The smaller the font size of your text, the more likely you are to strain your eyes to see, therefore increase and Work with a larger font size whenever possible.

5 ) Type of Computer Screen 

These days, majority of people depend on their Laptop/PC computers to do their job, business or hold meetings. This has led to an increase in screen time for most people and therefore makes the type of screen of the computer an important factor that should not be over looked. I recommend a NON-reflective screen. The more glossy and reflective the screen of your laptop/PC is, the more it produces distracting reflections and uncomfortable glare. Although I am not recommending a particular brand or model of Laptop, the brand and model of laptop I use has non-reflective screen. It produces little or no glare, therefore I work on it longer than I do with my other digital display devices (DDD).

 

Written By:

Austin Madu, OD                                                                                                                     ( Optometrist )

7 Things You Do That Make Your Eyes Itchy

7 Things You Do That Make Your Eyes Itchy

by | Feb 27, 2021 | Uncategorized

Itchy eyes is a common eye discomfort. It is one of the symptoms of allergic eye reaction to impurities or foreign bodies that come in contact with the eyes. Everyone at some point has experienced it. The causes of itchy eyes are quite common and very much around us. Some of these factors are preventable but some are not. Nevertheless, our actions or the daily activities that we engage in could cause itchy eyes. Some of these factors are as follows;


Dust 

The most common home impurity that trigger eye allergic reaction and make the eyes itchy is dust. Dusty environment will most likely trigger ocular ( eye ) allergy especially If you are allergic to dust ( and most people are ). Cleaning cobwebs in your homes without a protective glasses is a common means of introducing germs / foriegn bodies into your eyes. Your eyes may start to Itch minutes or hours after cleaning. Avoid dusty environment if you can. If you can’t, have your face, nose and eyes properly covered with face shield or safety goggles when working in dusty environment or cleaning cobwebs.

 

Air spray or chemical fumes 

This range from industrial chemicals in the work place to household cleaning agents. Janitors are on daily basis in contact with various cleaning chemical agents and therefore should protect their eyes from these chemicals. As harmless as most household/spray are, some of them could be very harsh to the eyes and trigger a burning and itchy sensation that may have a long lasting effect in the eyes and similar to that of dry eyes. Anti allergic eye drop may help in this case. Nevertheless, preventive approach is the best approach.

Pets and poultry animals 

People love their pets and the animals they breed. As a result, they are in constant physical contact with them. Having many cats, chickens, dogs or other kinds of domestic animals ( especially the ones without veterinary care ) in and out of your living space could trigger ocular allergy especially in children. Some children are allergic to the fur or feathers of their pets and their parents unaware of it. This could lead to long-standing allergic conjunctivitis and constant itchy eyes.

Teddy bear 

Cuddling and Sleeping with Teddy bear is fun and soothing for most children. But this may not be soothing or comforting if it is filthy. Dusty and dirty teddy bears and germs will, some day, trigger eye allergic reaction or get the child’s eyes infected. This is because some children use their teddy bears as pillows which therefore brings it in close contact with their face and eyes. Teddy bears should be cleaned or sanitised frequently to prevent this.


Make-Up 

Most women apply make-up. There is nothing wrong with that. But if a woman’s skin is sensitive to a specific type of make-up, she will experience an allergic eye reaction from it. This may be dry itchy skin around the eyes or serious itchy red eyes. As a result of this, I will advise that the woman stops using make-up for sometime and observe to see if the itching will stop.


Foods and drinks 

Some people who are allergic to certain types of food. Like they say “ one man food is another man’s poison”. This could range from your favorite food, snack, drink to nuts and dairy products. If your are allergic to what you consume, your body will react to it in one way or another. It may be in the form of itchy skin, skin rash, scratchy throat, feverish condition or itchy eyes.

Wiping your eyes with cloth

Wiping your eyes with cloth could get your eyes infected. This may be the use of handkerchief, face towel or a piece of face cloth. These fabrics are often not clean enough to make contact with the eyes. People often pull out these face cloth from their pockets or hand bags, wipe their eyes with them and put it back into their pocket or bag. Sometimes they carelessly rest it on a dirty desk and pick up the same cloth to wipe their face or teary eyes. 

It should be noted that our pockets, bags, purses, desks, chairs, shelves etc are often not free of germs and dust, as a result, this unhygienic practice exposes your eyes to germs.  This could trigger allergies and itchy eyes or infection.

To prevent this eye condition, I advise the use of disposable paper towel to wipe watery eyes.

Written By;

Austin Madu, OD

(Optometrist )

Activities And Habits That Make The Eyes Itchy

by | Feb 27, 2021 | Uncategorized

 

Itchy eyes is a common eye symptom that everyone has experienced at one time or another. It could be a temporary eye discomfort or long standing and chronic symptom. It is usually one of the symptoms of allergic eye condition often triggered by particles or impurities in the air around us. When these impurities come in contact with the eyes, they trigger the action of lysozyme – a neutralizing defense agent in tears. If this agent can not ‘fight’ back’ i.e neutralize the allergic effect of the impurity/foreign body, the eyes become hypersensitive, gets watery and itchy.

Knowingly or Unknowingly, most people are engaged in activities and habits that make the eyes itchy. For those who have food allergies, being able to identify such food and keep away from it, will prevent itchy eyes.

There are several factors responsible for itchy eyes. The silent but most common ones being the activities or habits that we engage in at home or work.

What do you do when your eyes are itchy?

When the eyes become itchy, the first and natural approach for most people is to close the eye and profusely rub it. This often triggers a sweet sensation that makes you want to continue to rub until the itching stops and which often gets the eyes red. Rubbing the eyes may give a quick but few minutes of relief before the eyes start to itch again. Am sure most people can relate to this. This ‘quick-fix’ act of rubbing the eyes is not harmful to the eye. However, as irresistible as this act may seem, I do not encourage it. The reasons are

1) The more you rub yours eyes the more you trigger allergic reaction and the more intense the itching gets.

2) Finger in your eye is a recipe for direct transfer of germs into the eyes if your hands are not clean. This may not only cause more allergic reaction and redness of the eyes but also could get the eye infected.

3) Rubbing the eyes may not cause any obvious damage to the cornea. But constantly doing so over a long period of time could weaken the cornea especially in children and may lead to a condition called keratococus.

When your eyes get itchy seek the advise of any eye care practitioner.  If you can’t immediately speak to or visit one, you could go to the pharmacy and speak with an experienced pharmacist. If the itching persists after five days, consult an eye care practitioner for further diagnosis and recommendations

Itchy eyes may be a common symptom of ocular allergy nevertheless there are other symptoms such as watery eyes, stringy discharge, gritty sensation etc.

Common Health Conditions That Can Affect Your Eyes

Common Health Conditions That Can Affect Your Eyes

by | Feb 27, 2021 | Uncategorized

             

It is important to take care of your eyes but more important to take care of your general health. Every part of your body is interconnected, which implies that your general health condition can have an impact on the health of your eyes or pose a threat to your eyesight. To some extent, some of these conditions are within your control, preventable and/or manageable. Let’s take a look at these conditions.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a common medical condition which if not diagnosed early and managed, could have a devastating effect on a patient’s overall health and eyesight. Diabetic patients must inform their eye-care practitioner of their condition and blood sugar level before eye examination is done. High blood sugar level could lead to blurry vision or visual fluctuation with and without spectacles. This often lead to unstable spectacle lens prescription and visual discomfort.  A diabetic patient should therefore ensure that his/her blood sugar level is stable and within the normal range before eye examination. Blood sugar level of less than 146mg is ideal for an eye test.

Complication of diabetes could in some cases leave a visible sign at the back of the eyes which may be detected during eye examination. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy (D-R).  At an early stage, D-R causes retinal blood vessels damage resulting in blood/fluid leak. At a later or advanced stage, the disease results in total blood vessel damage with an appearance of new fragile and weak retinal vessels and more blood leak (retinal hemorrhage). If diabetic retinopathy is not treated, it could gradually lead to significant vision loss or blindness. Although not every diabetic patient develops D-R, they are all at risk of developing It.

To reduce the risk of developing this condition, diabetic patients should take a proactive step by visiting an eye care professional ( Optometrist and Ophthalmologist ) for regular eye examination which should be done yearly if the eyes are healthy and with no ocular complications. If not, it should be done more often or as advised by an eye doctor. Nevertheless “prevention, they say, is better than cure”. I strongly advise that diabetic patients keep their blood sugar level under control by doing whatever it takes – eat healthy, exercise, visit a general practitioner for medical check up and adhere to their medical advise and recommendations.

However, Diabetic retinopathy could be treated using laser or other medical approach by an ophthalmologist.

High Blood Pressure 

High and Uncontrolled blood pressure could lead to hypertension which, if not managed, could result to an eye condition called hypertensive retinopathy. Like diabetes, this condition could damage the retina blood vessels. This makes the blood vessels get unhealthily narrow, bleed and leave the retina with a flame-shaped haemorrhage and affect the level and clarity of your vision If not treated. As a result of this complication and if diagnosed too late, glasses may not be satisfactorily helpful.

Patients with hypertensive retinopathy may not know until its detected during eye examination. However the patients may experience headaches more often on the top/central part of their head .

The best preventive approach of hypertensive retinopathy is to keep your blood pressure under control by following your doctor’s recommendations and advice.

Cholesterol

The body needs some level of cholesterol to function. Abnormally high level of cholesterol could build up on the walls of the arteries and effect your health. If this is not detected early and controlled, cholesterol deposits may appear on the retina ( back of the eyes ) and pose a threat to your vision. However, at an early stage, eyesight may not obviously be affected. But if not detected or uncontrolled, abnormally high level of cholesterol could leave lipid deposits in the retina veins and eventually block it or cause it to rupture. When this happens, Blood and nutrient supply to the retina is cut off resulting in retinal vein occlusion and sudden painless vision loss. 

Cholesterol deposits may not always be visible on the retina for your eye doctor to see. However there may be other warning signs of high cholesterol that your eye care practitioner could detect during eye examination. Some of them are

Cornea Arcus –This is a white-grayish discoloration on the outer circumference of the cornea. Although Arcus  may be a warning sign of hyper cholesterolemia, it may be due to ageing process of the eyes for some patients. Arcus does not affect eyesight or cause any eye discomfort, although it could be a cosmetic concern for some people. 

Xanthelasma –( pronounced – zan-te-lasma. ) This is a yellowish, soft, small and lumpy lipid deposits on the corners of the eyelids. This is not the case for every patient with high cholesterol, but quite common with those with lipid disorder- ( dyslipidemia ). Xanthelasma does not affect vision and requires no treatment, however the yellow lumpy deposits could be removed for cosmetic reasons if so desired.

My advise is to keep cholesterol level under control by following your doctor’s advise. 

 

Thyroid

Hyperthyroidism— is simply a medical condition where the body ( the thyroid gland ) produces more thyroid than the body needs. If not diagnosed early and managed, it could lead to weakness of the eye muscles and bulgy eye balls – an eye condition known as proptosis. Proptosis could lead to unstable vision and frequent lens prescription change. It is important to know that even when hyperthyroidism is treated, proptosis remains the same. In other words, ‘bulgy eyeball’ due to the disease is not influenced by the treatment of the disease. 

 Written By;

Austin Madu, OD                                         

( Optometrist )