What is an Optical Migraine?
Ocular or Ophthalmic Migraine occurs when the visual phenomenon of migraine occurs without the headache. Visual disturbances include zigzag lines, which start small, then enlarge to the periphery over the next 10 to 20 minutes, and then disappear. In addition, patients may experience a “ripples on the water” effect or “heat waves” in their vision.
Can I have Lasik if I have dry eyes?
Lasik can make dry eyes worse. When the Lasik flap is made, corneal nerves are cut which reduces the reflex production of tears. Even normal eyes may experience dryness over a 3 to 4 month period as the corneal nerves regenerate. Mild dry eyes may be helped pre-operatively with non-persevered artificial tears, Restasis® and even punctal plugs, which block the drainage of the tear layer.
I have Lupus; can it affect my vision because I have noticed a change since I was diagnosed?
Lupus normally does not affect vision, but it can. The effect can be on the surface of the eye as dry eye. Lupus may cause a some inflammatory condition known as iritis. Lupus may also affect the retina blood vessels. In addition, medications used for Lupus can lead to glaucoma and cataracts. Lupus patients should generally not have Lasik or Photorefractive Keratectomy as a corneal “melt” might occur.
Stanley Rous, M.D.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
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{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
My husband has been off work for almost 2 weeks, due to a severe eye infection. He has seen 6 doctors. The first three all ruled out pink eye. He was given medications to cover all bases, but no diagnosis. Each time he saw a new dr, his medications were either changed or stopped. I took him to emergency twice last week, and to the eye care center. These next 3 drs all insisted that it is indeed pink eye; however, I am concerned that it may be iritis. He has all the symptoms. I have asked each of the last 3 doctors if it could be iritis, and they all said no. I don’t understand how they can rule it out. I am extremely concerned, as my husband’s vision is so blurred that he is unable to read. How can they rule out iritis just by looking at him? Please advise.
In general we cannot make a diagnosis over the internet, however iritis is not difficult to diagnose. Please feel free to call our office so we may help you further.
I believe I have ophthalmic migraines. They are getting worse they started about three months ago, they only happened once or twice but now recently they seem to be occuring on a daily basis. They are really freaking me out. Is this a common thing and is it able to be corrected? What are the procedures to correct it if correctable?
Very common problem. Have an eye exam to rule out eye disease. See neurologist for migraine treatments.
I have a child of one year old and what concerns me is that when she looks at something instead of looking straight she turns her head on the other side and moves her eyes to try to see. What may be happening?
Your child may have a number of different conditions that can cause those symptoms. Your child needs to see a Pediatric Ophthalmologist as soon as you can get a appointment. His/her eye may be misaligned (strabismus) or they may have an eye condition that is causing blurred vision in one eye. Get a recommendation from the pediatrician-they will know a Pediatric Ophthalmologist in the area.
I am 80 years old and about to undergo cataract surgery. I have never worn contacts. I wear glasses only for reading. I do not need them for daytime driving or computer work. My problem is night driving, the glare and not seeing as well in the dark. I have pretty much ruled out multifocal lenses because I understand there is some problems with night driving. If I do not opt for mutifocals, my doctor wants to put in monoculars, one now for near in my right eye, and one for distance later in the right, dominant eye. What are the risks? I would appreciate any insight you can give me. Thanks, Bob Frey
The risk of monovision is that you do not fully adapt to it. If this occurs you may still need to wear glasses for some tasks. My preference would be the multifocal implants over monovision, but that is an individual decision.
I have a question concerning a very specific case. About 17 years ago, my now fiancé had an accident. He stabbed himself in the eye at the age of six, and subsequently underwent multiple surgeries. The best that the doctors could do resulted in a detached retina and iris, a shattered cornea (which appears milky white), and perhaps a removal of the crystalline. Luckily, they managed to save his eye, however it is completely white. He wears custom contact lens and to the naked eye, his problem is completely unnoticeable, however lately, wearing the contact lens for as long as he needs to wear it has been causing him severe pain. He lives in Brazil (though his surgeries occurred in Boston), and the doctors told him there that there is nothing else that he can do, other than to wear a contact for the rest of his life. He doesn’t want a glass eye, because since they managed to save his actual eye, with a contact, it follows his other eye’s natural muscle movement, making it impossible to know that he’s blind when wearing the contact. He was hoping that a replacement iris, but his doctor told him that since his cornea is milky, the eye wouldn’t change its appearance because of an artificial iris. He isn’t interested in restoring his sight. He just does not want to be dependent on an uncomfortable and expensive plastic lens for the rest of his life. Is this his only choice?
If he is totally blind (cannot even see light) and there is no hope (sounds that way) than he should strongly consider enucleation (removal of the eye).
A prosthesis (glass eye) will look much better than what his eye looks like now and it will able to move good enough. He will be pain free!
I recently (about 3 weeks ago) woke up and noticed that my left eye lid had an extra crease in the inner 1/3rd of the eye… so now it looks like I have 3 eyelids in one eye…. not very flattering! I thought it was from too much sleep or something and decided it would probably go away. Unfortunately it has stayed the same. I have no problems swelling or pain or redness. I spoke to my optometrist and she stated that if it got worse to go seek an opthalmologist. I am 22 years old and find it hard to believe that I am aging already. Can you give me explanations as to why this has occured, if it will go away on its own or should I go pay a visit to a specialist? Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi,
I’m sure your very conerned and I think you should see your Opthalmologist for a consultation as there are various reasons why you may be having a problem. If our office can help you please call us at your convenience.
Thank you
My son is 7 yrs old. In April he came home from play with his eye swollen and red. We flushed his eye per his pediatrician via phone (it was over the weekend), and come Monday, there was no swelling or redness. The school did a vision test that following week and sent a letter home suggesting I get his vision checked. We went to pediatrician, was sent to opthalmologist, who sent us to a Retina Specialist, who then sent us to a Pediatric Opthalmologist and we’re now being sent to a Pediatric Rheumatologist. Since May, He has been on PredForte drops 6x in each eye daily, CycloGel 1x each eye daily, and recently started Orapred 15mg 4x in A.M.. He has been diagnosed with Panuveitis OU, he has a cataract in his right eye and all of this is due to unknown causes. He is having Sub Tenon’s Kenalog injections on Monday in both eyes. He wants to play football, but I’m not so sure it’s the safest thing for him to do now. He’s such an outgoing child and I hate to hold him back from activities children should be pursuing. His vision in his right eye is blurry at 20/100 – 30/70 & in the left eye slightly blurry at 20/30 – 20/40. It constantly changes, getting worse in the right and left. He has trouble reading books, unless they are large print and has to constantly look away for a minute to readjust his eyes. I’ve seen studies on adults on the internet but “What is the success rate with STK especially in children?” and “In your opinion, would it be unsafe for him to play football?”
Thank you in advance for your time,
Sincerely,
Kim
Hello and thank you for your recent inquiry. Your son’s case is very complexed and you would be best served asking the treating physician. If we can be of any help to you please call our office.
Good luck.
I was snap by a elastic band in my right eye yesterday, I couldnt see for a min right after, than I can see normal with lighting in the room, but I still see a blurry spot/ shadow in my inner corner of my eye when the room is dark, when I do see the spot/shadow, I can see fine if I look to my right and the spot/shadow is gone. did I damage my right eye when I was snap in my eye with a elastic band? what kind of damge? treatment?
Thank you for question.
In general we cannot make a diagnosis over the internet, however you should schedule a appointment with a Opthalmologist asap for furthe treatment.
If the patient has Glaucoma diagnosed 6 years ago and blind in his right eye, is it ok to give him a drugs (eye drops) to lower his intra ocular pressure at his blind eye ?.
(Im medical student & i have one question for my case presentation assigment).
thank you
At what IOP is SLT recommended? My ophtalmologist measured IOP at borderline value. He prescribed Xalatan drops for 2 weeks, after which IOP decreased to 17.2 (R) and 15.5 (L). He now suggests SLT. I wonder if this is necessary, or if it is just to boost revenues. When he first checked my eyes there was no symptom of glaucoma, and the cornea’s thickness was higher than the average, which he suggested may be an indicator that higher IOP is a bit safer (or less damaging) than other individuals. I’m 55 male of Mediterranen ethnicity, with no diabetes and no glaucoma in my immediate family
SLT laser is not recommended simply based on a pressure measurement. The decision to perform SLT is based on many variables. We will sometimes recommend SLT laser when the pressure is controlled with medical therapy so that a patient can possibly stop that medicine. SLT is very safe – I have never had a significant complication in thousands of cases. Therefore, the benefit of doing the laser far outweighs the risks. You cannot be forced to have the laser done, so discuss the options with your doctor.
I am 22 years old, I have worn daily disposable contact lenses for 10-11 years with no significant problems. Up until now, I was wearing my lenses on most days of the week, for about 10-14 hours per day. Recently my eyes have become very irritated and itchy within 1-2 of inserting my lenses. When I do not wear my lenses, my eyes feel fine. After having my eyes examined by my optometrist, he concluded that there were no remarkable abnormalities, and that I could possibly be suffering from dry eye. He suggested that I try a different contact lens brand, (from Ciba vision dailies, to Acuvue Moist). Since trying the new Acuvue lenses, as well as using preservative-free carmellose eye drops regularly for 2 weeks, I am still experiencing irritation while wearing my lenses. I have heard of a condition called ‘contact lens intolerance’ and I was wondering if this is what has been happening in my case. I hope you will be able to advise me on where to go from here.
Thank you.
This could represent intolerance or something else such as GPC – a chronic allergy to the contact lenses. There are some other things you can try before giving up on the contacts.
I was told I have narrow angles can I have my eyes dilated?
What is the pressure range in the eyes ?
Thank you.
When a patient is dilated and has been previously diagnosed with Narrow Angles it can bring on a Narrow Angle attack, which can be very serious. The normal pressure range is between 10-21.
Excuse me for my bad english
I’ m 28. I have 3.25 of myopia and been wearing glasses for ten years.
I see floaters, shadow-like traces (cannot define them exactly, but they don’t hinder my vision) especially when looking at light surfaces, sometimes i also see flashing spots and my eyes have become very sensitive to light. It’s almost a year since i started to experience these problems and I’ ve been seeing a ophthalmologist regularly from the beginning.
But each time, after various tests he said “there’s nothing wrong with your eyes, they are just undergoing a vitral degeneration which can be normal when people have myopia.”
Being skeptic, I even saw two different doctors who explained the issue in the same way.
I don’t know what i should do and really worry about what is going to happen.
It’s good that you have been followed for flashes and floaters. There can be various reasons for these symptoms some serious. If your symptoms continue I would advise you to see a Retina Specialists.
Thank you very much. I will take your advice and see a retina specialist next week.
have unilateral amblyobia with visual acuity of amblyopic eye 6/60 and normal eye 6/6 i live in egypt ……is that eligible for driving……in other way is that possible to get driving license
I am 18 years old and I have worn contacts/glasses (-4.25) for 10 years.
About 2 weeks ago my right eye started acting very weird and the symptoms were similar to cataract symptoms. Its hard to drive at night because of the glare from every light and because my vision in that eye seems blurred. Even in the day time and when I’m not wearing any type of corrective lenses, I can still tell my eyes are reacting strangely to light and cannot focus normally. I went to an optometrist for a quick check and he told me my eyes are just a little inflamed and prescribed Tobramycin/Dexamethasone eye drops. Right now it is still very hard to see in that eye, and I have been wearing strictly glasses for a while! For some weird reason its easier to see when I tilt my head back while looking straight ahead. The optomitrist assured me I don’t have cataracts but I’m still worried and I don’t know what is happening to my eye. Do you have any idea what this could be?
The situation you have described to us is very unusual. It does not seem like a normal situation for contact lenses and their wear to cause the type of blurriness and glare that you have described. It seems even more unusal that a finely trained optometrist would not be able to see something abnormal in your eye. I can only assume that there is nothing that is grossly visible.
The use of drops like you have described can be very helpful and at the same time that exact kind of medicine can have negative effects on the eye if used inappropriately or under the wrong circumstances.
Assuming that your eye is still causing you the same problems that you have described, I think it would be smart for you to make an appointment in our office for a second opinion, as it does not seem reasonable that you should continue to have blurry vision over such a period of time.
I hope that this information is helpful, and if I may be of any further assistance, please fee free to call upon me.
I need a cataract surgery in my left eye, I would like to have a multifocal lens so I would have a good near and far vision. My right eye have -6.50.
Can I have that kind of lens and wear glasses because of my right eye?
If you have surgery with the multifocal lens in one eye you have to wear a contact lens or have the same surgery in the other eye. You will be too off balance if you have that surgery in one eye and don’t wear a contact lens in the other eye.
I am 31 years old. About 2 months ago I had the pink eye. I was given tobamycin (can’t spell it) to clear the infection. It went away but about a couple of weeks later I had caught the pink eye again from my son who had it. I put tobamycin again and it cleared however I still am feeling a burning, itching in my eye and the corner of the eye looks a little red with lines and the eye lid is red. I mentioned this to my regular doctor and at first he said it could be some allergy or infection so he gave me Patinol eye drops. Used those and then he said to try over the counter eye drops. Used those but I am still feeling itchiness in my eyes. I do wear contacts however even without wearing the contacts I still feel the itchiness. What can it be and should I schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist?
You should see an Ophthalmologist in the near future. Does not sound serious,but you may have an eyelid infection that requires treatment or it can worsen. The drops you have been using do not treat an eyelid infection.
I’m 28 years old, 19 weeks pregnant, and I have hypermiopia (-9 diopters). My Obgyn said that I couldn’t give birth naturally because it could make me blind if I push too hard on delivery. So he suggested me to take c-section. My concern is that the lab test showed that I’m 100% healthy, and my baby is also healthy. So it’s kinda weird if I should take c-section just because I have hypermiopia. So I really need your opinion here. Thank you!
This is a tough question, as there has been little written about it. I found only one good reference: The effect of normal childbirth on eyes with abnormalities predisposing to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. When your doctor said “it could make me blind” he is exaggerating the risks. Even if you do suffer a retinal detachment, it can usually be repaired successfully. The risk of suffering a detachment in your circumstances are not known. Even if you are a high myope, you are not at greater risk for RD unless you have lattice degeneration. Your ophthalmologist can make that diagnosis.
All the best for you and your new baby.
I just had cataract surgery and still have to wear rgp contacts due to keracatonus. but the contacts dont seem to work together. someone said they aren’t balanced. my opthamologist won’t do anything to correct them. she says my eyes have been this way from the beginning-I’m assuming she means from birth-. that’s not true-I’m a long-time contact lense wearer-about 40 yrs. she also says that the difference is not uncommon. her last comment was “you’re wecome to see another doctor”. i have also been told by them in answer to my request for a shade darker lense -they don’t do that anymore. is all of this true? if not what can i do please? thank you
You are suffering from what we call “anisometropia”, an optical imbalance between the two eyes. This is not an easy problem to deal with. You may have to compromise your vision by changing the lens power in one eye, the one with poorer vision, to achieve better balance. In extreme cases, an implant exchange may be called for.
RGP lenses are available in tints, but they would not be dark enough to reduce your light sensitivity.
I am having hair removed by laser hair removal from my upper lip, cheeks, and chin. I have only gone for one treatment so far but am do back for another this week. The technician has me wearing small goggles that are black on the inside, and I also keep my eyes closed tightly. Even so, I “see” (for lack of a better word) red flashed of light as it pulses. Is this anything to be concerned about?
Your seeing light through your lids. Nothing to be concerned about.
Dr.Keith Skolnick
Hello,
I’m 39, healthy, male. For the last year I’ve developed dark ’stains’ in my vision, not floaters (they don’t move).
In my left eye the dark stain is like a spot in the lower quadrant, in the right eye it’s not a spot but sort of a curtain in the top left.
Mainly only visible when looking at white walls, day time sky, or white on the computer screen. These are not ‘black’ in the sense that it’s totally opaque (i can see through the stains) – it’s just like looking though a piece of glass with a stain on it.
Any idea what this could be – or what I could google before going to an appointment?
I can’t find any info on it online except horror stories about hemorrhages etc.
I do have a slight history of optical migraines – I had 4 episodes about 4 years ago – but never since.
Thanks!
This is not an easy question. There are many kinds of “spots” that people see in their vision. There are actually many kinds of floaters, too. What concerns me is that the spots that you described do not float when you move your eye, but they travel with the movement of the eye. That often means that the spot is in the retina and not in the vitreous gel of the eye.
Rather than trying to guess what kind of an issue you might have, I advise that you make an appointment and see and ophthalmologist soon as you can.
saw the ophthalmologist today, he said because i’m severley myopic (-7.00) and because he sees several hemorrhages that he thinks i have open angle glaucoma. going to a bigger city to do more tests. thanks.
Best of luck Mike. Hope everything works out for you.
Dear Doctors,
I am having a very umcomfortable feeling on my left superior nasal eye esp when i forceful shut my nasal aspect of my eyelids forcefully. I think it has to do with my eyelids impinging on it. Not really pain but a pressure/burning sensation.
I am asian 26 years old and a contact lens user for 10 yrs. I had upper blepharoplasty done 7 yrs ago (full incision- three sutues are still in at the upper eyelids). Plastic surgery results was suboptimal, and before i wanted to opt for revision the very same plastic surgeon advise me to use adhesion double eyelid tapes to create a double eyelid before going for another surgery. At the time, it seems a good alternative. SO i followed his advice and been using double eyelids tape bilaterally for the first 1 yr and den only the left eye daily for another 2 yrs or so. I completely stopped using it after 3 yrs in total (2007). At the time i had no eye symptoms. However, starting in 2010 i am experiencing this weird eyelid discomfort. Like a forgien body sensation BEHIND my upper left eyelid (nasally, where one suture is remain and also the landmark i use to place a double eyelid sticker before). Its like something is imposing at that spot of the eyelid and onto my eye. I began to have discomfort whiling wearing contacts. I have not been wearing contacts for 4 months n till this date I am still experiencing this symptom constantly. I been to two opthalmologist and they said nothing was see when they everted my upper eyelid and one dx me with Puntact Epithelial Erosion while the other dx me with a dz related to allergy and advise me to stop wearing contacts for a while n prescribed me with lubricants. After 4-5 months I am still experiecning this sympomts. it is driving me CRAZY. i can concentrate at work because of my eye. Please provide my with any advice, i would greatly appreciate.
Of note i have no other eye symptoms and I was on intermetting steroids in 2009 for half a year ranging from 5mg to 20mg daily.
Please help.
A.T
i had lasik surgery on the 13th of this month. after the surgery i had blurred vision in my right eye. they said it would clear up. it is clear at night in the dark, but i can’t see in the sunlight, everything is blurry when i am outside. the doctor says it will clear up. but it is not getting any better. i don’t understand why it is clear in the dark, but not in the sunlight. could you please give me an explanation?
We advise that you see your Ophthalmologist.
Best of luck
hi I had a detached retina in july 2011. I had a buckle and freezing and gas bubble put in. I ve seen my eye surgeon a couple of times and everything was great. yesterday a sort of after image or like when you stare at a bright light adn the image stays there, appeared in the cornerof my eye. I can sort of notice it just as I blink, etc. It looks like a small blob. Could this be the vitrous tugging or something minor. Or could this be something serious? thanks
Thank you for your question. We always recommend you see your Ophthalmologist especially since you have a previous retina problem.
Hi,
I cant find information on this anywhere! When the sun or street lights shine at a certain angle to my eye, I can see another light at the bottom of my vision. This light is not caused by looking at the sun. It’s almost as if the light is passing wierdly through my eyeball and reflecting off something. Any ideas? I’ve had floaters for the past two years, but theyve been checked out and everything else as far as i know is fine. I’m starting to worry as I’m going away to work on a remote island for several weeks.
Thanks
Giselle
I need additional information to answer your question. Are you wearing glasses if so does this happen with your glasses on and off? Do other objects appear doubled, not just light?
My 12-yr-old daughter had a retinal detachment 10 months ago and had emergency surgery. She received a scleral buckle, freezing and stitches. No one can explain how/why this happened. She is an otherwise healthy and very athletic girl. The surgeon told us that she should never play soccer again because of the heading of the ball that is involved. However, her opthalmologist has completely disagreed with that opinion and told her she is at no greater risk than the general population b/c she has the scleral buckle in place. He says to definitely let her play soccer again – no problem. She is so ready to get back on the field, but we are both very confused about the difference in opinions. Please share your thoughts on this. THANK YOU
I can understand why you may be confused. In general we cannot make a diagnosis without seeing the patient. I would recommend you seek another opinion.
I’m sorry I could not help you further and I wish her much luck with her soccer.