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.
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.
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.
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.