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Tag: headache

Posted on by Dr. Sherman Tung

Is it okay to buy glasses online? Do I really need an optometrist/ optician?

Photo by wu yi on Unsplash

When considering whether to buy your glasses online, at first it may seem more convenient and likely less costly. But the prescription given to you by your optometrist is only one piece of information that will determine how effective your glasses will be in improving your vision. Let’s consider the pros and cons:

Pros of buying online:

  • Wider selection of styles and colors
  • Many choices between different websites
  • Often can save on cost (but more on that later)

Cons of buying online:

  • You miss out on having a trained professional aid you in ensuring your glasses are the right fit in
    terms of comfort and effectiveness
  • Quality control of frames may often be sacrificed to maintain that low price you see online
  • Specific measurements such as PD, finding the best optical center, and measurements for
    progressives will either often be wrong or not available for online retailers
  • Prescription issues in general occur much more commonly when ordered online as opposed to
    in person

What could initially be seen as a way to save time and money in the first place may end up more costly for both in the long run if any of the above issues occur. In addition, common complaints with improperly selected glasses may include: headaches, fatigue, nausea/dizziness, eyestrain, glasses slipping off the nose, and pain/pressure marks on your nose/around the ears. Those with high prescriptions, children, complicated prescriptions, and multifocal prescriptions should especially consider in person options as opposed to online.

Posted on by Dr. Sherman Tung

Ever Heard of Computer Vision Syndrome?

Photo credit: healthjade.net

Almost everyone is guilty of spending an excessive amount of time on a screen and it is very common to feel symptoms of eyestrain and fatigue associated with digital use; this is known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or digital eye strain. As the name implies, excessive screen use causes stress on your eyes after reading or staring at a digital device for hours at a time. Some common symptoms of computer vision syndrome include eyestrain, headaches, dryness of the eyes, neck pain, and blurred vision over time.

Since it is unrealistic for us as optometrists to expect patients to avoid computers or excessive screen time, what are some ways to alleviate symptoms and avoid exacerbation of CVS? It is helpful to assess your desk or workstation for proper lighting and working distances. It is also important to be mindful of one’s posture throughout the day and ensure you are wearing proper visual correction such as glasses or contacts to avoid further eyestrain.

Photo credit: Ergomaker.com

Tips for avoiding eye strain

  1. Decrease the brightness of your screen
  2. Avoid letting yourself get closer to the screen throughout the day
  3. Take breaks (every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
  4. Wear an office or anti-fatigue lens while working
  5. Remember to blink consistently
  6. Stay hydrated

Following these simple tips will not only improve the way your eyes feel, but will naturally improve productivity, efficiency, and well-being throughout the day.

Posted on by Dr. Melody Tong

Headache or Ocular Migraine?

Photo by New Africa/ Shutterstock

Migraines are often associated with pounding headaches, but they can also affect your vision. Ocular migraines, also known as retinal migraines or visual migraines, are a unique type of migraine that primarily manifests as visual disturbances. This means that the symptoms revolve around your eyes and the way you perceive the world around you. The visual disturbances associated with ocular migraines are short-lived, lasting less than an hour.  

Visual disturbances can include:

  • Flickering lights
  • Shimmering or zigzag lines
  • Temporary blind spots
  • Momentary loss of vision in one eye

Triggers can include:

  • Stress
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Specific foods
  • Exposure to bright lights, or even distinct patterns

Although ocular migraines are relatively benign, it’s essential to distinguish them from more serious conditions that can cause similar visual disruptions, such as retinal detachment.

Always seek prompt medical attention if you experience sudden visual changes.