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Migraines are a common form of headache that affect 15% of the population, predominantly in females. They may be accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity, and may last from several hours to a few days. Symptoms of migraines are commonly the presenting concern that brings a patient to visit an optometrist.

What is an aura?
A visual aura is the perception of disturbances in the vision. It is referred to as an ocular migraine. This may include zigzag lines in the visual field, shimmering lights, and or a “cracked glass” appearance. Blind spots are also common, and may increase in size or drift in position. These symptoms often precede the migraine itself. Aura symptoms usually last up to half an hour before the vision is restored
Should I see an optometrist for a migraine?
Yes, you should complete a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. It is important to understand that symptoms of migraine can mimic other serious health and ocular conditions. A dilated fundus exam should be completed to rule out disease of the retina, such as retinal tears, which can also cause visual disturbances like flashing lights. Headaches themselves can also have a wide range of etiologies, including an update to your spectacle prescription, or even dangerous neuropathies of the optic nerve. Additional tools should also be used such as OCT imaging and visual field tests.

Recurrent migraines are also a risk factor for another disease called glaucoma. This is due to the temporary decrease in blood flow to the eye. Patients should be closely monitored as this disease may cause progressive and permanent vision loss.

What can be done for migraines?

Your optometrist can advise you on steps to address migraines. Firstly, it may be advisable to consult your family practitioner, who may be able to prescribe preventative pharmacological therapy. Otherwise, avoiding common triggers such as stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, bright lights or certain foods can help decrease the frequency of attacks. Since triggers vary person to person, you may want to keep a migraine diary to help determine your own specific triggers.

At Spectrum Eye Care, we are equipped with the skills and latest technology to expertly assess the health of the eye and its role in symptoms related to migraines. Don’t hesitate to contact us to book an appointment or if you have any other quests.

Dry eyes, a common ocular condition affecting millions of people worldwide, can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, and a diminished quality of life. While traditional treatments focus on artificial tears and lubricating eye drops, there is a revolutionary approach gaining traction in the medical field: radio frequency technology. In this blog, we will delve into how radio frequency helps treat dry eyes and explore its potential benefits for patients seeking relief from this bothersome condition.

Understanding Dry Eyes: Before we delve into radio frequency treatment, let’s briefly explore the underlying causes of dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes fail to produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Factors such as aging, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions can contribute to the development of dry eyes.

Radiofrequency for Dry Eyes: Radio frequency treatment, is a minimally invasive procedure that has shown promising results in alleviating dry eye symptoms. It involves the use of radio waves to deliver controlled thermal energy to targeted areas around the eyes, stimulating the production of meibum (oil) to allow for a more stable tear film and minimize the speed at which the tears evaporate.

How Radio Frequency Treatment Works: During a radio frequency treatment session, a specialized device delivers radio waves to the affected areas around the eyes. These radio waves generate controlled heat, stimulating the glands responsible for tear production. By targeting the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of tears that prevents evaporation, radio frequency treatment helps improve the tear film’s stability and alleviate dry eye symptoms.

Benefits of Radio Frequency Treatment for Dry Eyes:
  • Enhanced Tear Production: Radio frequency treatment stimulates the meibomian glands, enhancing tear production and relieving the discomfort associated with dry eyes.
    Improved Tear Quality: By addressing the root cause of dry eyes, radio frequency treatment promotes the production of high-quality tears with the appropriate balance of oils, water, and mucus.
  • Long-lasting Results: Unlike temporary relief provided by eye drops, radio frequency treatment offers longer-lasting results by improving the functioning of the meibomian glands.
  • Minimally Invasive: Radio frequency treatment is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting, reducing the risk and recovery time associated with more invasive options.
  • Tailored Approach: The treatment can be customized to suit individual patients’ needs, allowing for precise targeting of specific areas around the eyes.

As the medical field continues to explore innovative approaches to treating dry eyes, radio frequency technology has emerged as a promising solution. By stimulating oil production and improving tear quality, radio frequency treatment offers new hope for individuals suffering from this chronic condition. Radio frequency treatment presents an exciting advancement in the field of Optometry and holds the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for those with dry eyes.

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