Nancy wrote:
We recently purchased an LED TV.  When I first watched it, after about an hour or two I developed what felt like the beginning of a migraine headache.  Every time I try to watch it since, this happens again but more quickly.  Now if I watch it for 5 mins. it happens.  The bones below my eyes continue to ache from eyestrain but a full migraine does not develop.  Have you heard of such eyestrain from LED TV’s and is there anything I can do other than replace the tv?

ANSWER

Hello Nancy,

Very good question, as it is a very common problem…

Few things to consider, if you notice consistent eye strain with new TV’s.

1) Check your distance vision, make sure your distance vision is optimum
2) Reduce TV watch time and try to slowly build that up till you can handle it
3) Try backlight (if you have backlight, try adjusting it), adjust brightness and/or vibrant settings on your TV, and over time slowly bring it back to what it was initially.
4) Try adjusting ambient light, again depending on what is comfortable.

Hopefully after all that with a little patience, you will start to enjoy your new TV.

Caroline wrote:
Hi,

I have ocular albinism resulting in low vision of around 20/100 corrected in my best eye. I have always had to be very close to text in order to read. I work with computers and find that as a result of needing to be so close to the screen, I have horrible posture. Is there any way that I can increase the working distance from my monitor? If not, do you have suggestions for an ergonomic work environment?

thanks,
Caroline

ANSWER

Hello Caroline,

There should be a Low Vision Association near you, to offer information, support and advise on new products.  They also can come out and assess your work environment and needs.

The Association will send assessors to your work environment and depending on your specific needs, they will offer you advise, support and information.

Zoom Text, a computer software, magnifies writing on screen, also changes color to enhance contrast, and you can control mouse pointer color.  It also has an option to read the test to you while you listen.

Another option but more expensive, is a bigger screen, 19 inch screen, which magnifies writing, you connect it to your computer and that will allow you to work further away from the screen.  There is different kinds and some come black and white and some come colored.

I think there are few options for you.  Start by getting the right team to assess your work environment and your specific needs.

Good luck

Lindsay wrote:
I am 22 years old and was in a car accident 8 months ago. I experienced severe trauma to my right eye which caused a vitreous detachment. I was referred to a specialist due to the fear I would develop a retinal detachment, but after 2 follow up appointments nothing indicated that this would occur and I needed no further appointments. Ever since my accident, my eyes have bothered me frequently. It is as if my eyes do not focus the same anymore. I do wear glasses and contacts, but following a checkup my prescription has not changed which leads me to believe that this is not the cause of my eye discomfort. I find it extremely difficult to read for a prolonged period of time, or watch TV for that matter. As I am a student, I spend a large portion of time on my computer doing research and writing papers, and it is increasingly difficult to get any work done because my eyes refuse to focus naturally and I need to squint and really concentrate in order to read or write. It is almost as if my right eye is slightly fuzzy or cloudy 100% of the time, and that if I could just rub my eye it would clear up, but it doesnt. It is almost like waking up first thing in the morning when your eyes a kind of fuzzy and unfocused, except that it never goes away. It is becoming really frustrating because it is so distracting, even during lectures I always wish I could just rinse my eye or rub it really hard and have it clear up but nothing makes the minor cloudiness go away. Is this normal for someone who has experienced a vitreous attachment? I have only had this problem post-accident, so I assume that it is somehow connected to it. Also, is there anything I can do about it? It is driving me nuts! Any information would be appreciated because I cannot get in to see my eye doctor until 5 months from now… I really just want to make sure it is nothing serious/ nothing that will get worse, and also wish to know if there is anything I can do about it. Thanks so much.

ANSWER

Hello Lindsay,

Sounds very frustrating… It is hard to diagnose because I have so many questions, however, first thing you have to do, is see your optometrist, and make sure you have the maximum correction for distance and also for near.  You may have developed a little near prescription due to eye muscle fatigue post accident.  Also get your optometrist to dilate your eyes and check the vit. detachment and make sure there is no traction on retina.  and then examine your fovea (central vision) and make sure that part is OK.  Your optometrist should also check if you maybe developed a little cataract in your right eye due to trauma.  and screen you for glaucoma due to trauma.  If all come out negative, and your new prescription does not make the blur go away, then unfortunately that’s all that can be done, and hopefully with time your brain will learn to suppress that little blurry in right eye, but might take time.

Good luck

Petrice wrote:
I read with interest Dr. Henry Smit’s response to the question regarding weight training & Glaucoma.

I am a 51 year old female & have open angle Glaucoma.  I have been practicing “Hot Yoga” for the past 2 & 1/2 years. This yoga has inverted positions and the temp. is 100 F plus 40% humidity.  I had lazar surgery on both eyes five years ago for my Glaucoma.  Recently the IOP in my right eye went to 26 and I have had lazar surgery again. I read that individuals with Glaucoma should not practice yoga with inverted positions.  I have stopped yoga.  My questions are:  1)  Is there any study on hot yoga affecting Glaucoma and 2) Should this activity not be practiced if someone has Glaucoma?

The Ask an Expert is an excellent website!  (If my question is too wordy, please do not hesitate to shorten it).  I anxiously will be waiting for a reply and I thank you.

ANSWER

Dear Petrice:
I am not aware of any studies that have specifically measured the effect of hot yoga on glaucoma. Inverted yoga positions (whether performed in normal or hot temperatures) tend to elevate the blood pressure in what is normally the “upper” body, making it more difficult for the aqueous humor to drain from the eye. It is quite possible that the extra dilation of the blood vessels near the body surface caused by the raised temperature (as the body tries to cool itself) may cause further congestion of the aqueous outflow.  Until there is clear data to show that hot yoga is safe for people with glaucoma, it is probably prudent to discontinue the practice as you have done.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Dr. Smit

Peter wrote:
Have there been any studies on the effects of laser surgery on a recipient as they age? I.e. If laser surgery is performed around  40, will/could it affect the health of those eyes at 65+?

ANSWER

Dear Peter:
Laser surgery has been around for about 25 years, and most patients continue to be followed throughout their lives following laser surgery. It appears that are no negative long term consequences from doing laser surgery provided that the surgery is only performed on healthy/suitable corneas that are thick enough to tolerate the surgery well.  If surgery is performed on corneas that have underlying structural anomalies or health issues, then negative consequences may unfold in the years ahead. Newer diagnostic instruments now give surgeons much more detailed information about the structure of the cornea prior to surgery, and if the cornea is deemed to be unsuitable for lasik surgery, the procedure is not carried out.
As is the case with any surgery, there is always a risk of a “less than perfect” outcome with laser surgery. While the risk/benefit ratio is very low, no one can guarantee a perfect result every time.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Smit

Carrie wrote:
I have very very nearsighted eyes, and I have worn contact lenses for a long, long time.
My Optometrist told me that there is no other option but to wear a toric lens in my right eye. I agreed to wear a trial lens, but I’m finding that my vision is blurry, close up and farther away.  I went back and he ordered me another toric lens with a -10 something-or other.  (The lenses are taken out of the packaging before given to me, so I really have no idea what the fine details are, I just remember something about him saying something about -10)  So THAT lens is HORRIBLE, and I refuse to wear it.
Now I know I have very bad eyesight, but I’m convinced I see better with regular lenses, BUT the Optometrist insists I get toric lenses.
Really, what should I do?

ANSWER

Dear Carrie:
Toric lenses are prescribed/fitted when a patient has astigmatism and regular spherical lenses do not adequately correct the patient’s vision. Fitting toric lenses to someone who is “very very nearsighted” is clinically challenging and it is not unusual for the fitting process to require several “trial” pair before a final lens design is achieved. That being said, the ultimate goal of contact lens fitting is to provide you with lenses that give you the best vision and ocular health.  In my own experience, I have found that in some instances, the patient felt they saw better with their spherical lenses than with the toric lenses that I had painstakingly fitted. In those cases, if the spherical lenses were a good option for the health of the eyes, I usually deferred to the patient’s visual preference.
You should have a candid conversation with your optometrist to express your concerns about the clarity of your vision with your trial toric contact lenses. It may well be that you need to try some alternative toric lens designs, but if none of those provide you with clearer vision, spherical lenses may be a practical option.
Thank you for your question.
Dr. Smit

Genevieve wrote:
We are currently investigating reading problems our 8 year-old son has. A speechtherapist has recommended we do a Visual Perception development test (?). How do we find an optopmetrist in the Ottawa region who conducts this type of test? Does the test need to be done in French if that is the primary language of the child? Thank you for your help!

ANSWER

Hello Genevieve,
Firstly, I would like to applaud your son’s speech therapist for recognizing the need for a visual perception test. Visual Perception Testing is a battery of tests which examines the ways in which the eyes communicate with the brain and can provide incredible insight into learning/reading difficulties in children.
It is important that your son first have a routine eye exam so that the results of the eye exam are no more than one year old (6 months is preferable). The optometrist who does the perception test can also perform the eye exam, or ask your family optometrist to send a report including a recent binocular vision assessment.
Many of the tests are language-independent. There are some, however, that would be difficult if your son has trouble speaking English. If your son is fluent in English, then it should be fine.
To find an optometrist in your area who performs visual perception testing, contact either the College of Optometrists of Ontario (www.collegeoptom.on.ca) or the Ontario Association of Optometrists (www.optom.on.ca).
Good luck!
Dr. Donati

Danny wrote:
Hello,

I’m 23 with moderate myopia (-4.5, -4.75) and with an astigmatism.

My question is in regards to using positive lenses to treat/slow down myopia.

There’s a bunch of websites stating some facts and quoting several medical research papers about how positive dioptre lenses can have a beneficial impact on slowing down or even reversing myopia, but I have my doubts as these websites don’t seem to provide a sufficient number sources to overcome my skepticism.

However, several years ago my optometrist gave my younger brother whose also myopic progressive lenses (bifocals, a negative dioptre for distance, and positive dioptre for reading/computer work) for an annual trial for what I thought was probably a medical trial/research for his papers. So this idea popped back in my head today and I’ve been trying to find solid research but it’s very limited.

I was wondering if there is any credence/evidence/factual information that’s concrete on the effects of using plus lenses for myopia and if so I’d love to read the papers myself.

Even if this is a myth or some crazy idea, I would like to read the papers that disprove it myself to satisfy my curiosity. In either case, I’d like to see the evidence supporting either side.

Thanks,
Danny D.

ANSWER

Hello Danny,
Thank you for your question. This is a somewhat controversial topic because there are varying opinions. Here is mine:
There is a small group of people who have problems with their focus-control. In this group of patients, the focusing system of the eye is hypersensitive and will spasm in certain situations. When this happens, it can cause an increase in myopia. It is in this group of patients, and in some patients with crossed or lazy eye(s), that progressive bifocals are appropriate. They work by preventing the focusing muscles from going into a spasm and thus eliminate the stimulus for further development of myopia.
However, this is not the majority of myopia patients. Most myopia progression occurs when the eyeball itself gets larger (called axial length), or the power of the eye changes (called refractive error). In these cases, progressive lenses will not reduce or slow the progression of myopia.
In a study called The Hong Kong Progressive Lens Myopia Control Study, Marion Hastings Edwards et al used progressive lenses in the glasses of 138 children aged 7-10.5 years, and regular single vision glasses on 160 children of the same age. They found that after 2 years, both groups had significant increase in their myopia. This study can be found in the Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science journal 2002, number 43, page 2852-2858.
Certainly there are many articles on this subject. Many that will give you conflicting information on the helpfulness of progressive lenses. Don’t get me wrong; I have, and do, prescribe bifocal lenses to children with focusing and/or muscle-control issues. However, it is my opinion that with specific exceptions, those individuals who wish to cure their myopia are better off investing in refractive surgery than special glasses.
I hope this helps. Good luck with your research!

Dr. Donati

Ziming wrote:
Hi I’ve been seeing double vision (a fainter one above the normal) in one eye , and it’s been progressively getting worse in the last 2 weeks. So I went back for another eye exam and they think it has to do with the “focal center” or something of the eye being too low, but then when I took it to the store they said that the focal centres only matter between two eyes and that on one eye it was the lens axis that might be affecting me. Can you help?

ANSWER

Hello Ziming,
I’m not sure I understand your question completely, but what I’m gathering is that you’ve been experiencing double vision since you got your new glasses.  I’m going to assume that your optometrist has ruled out all of the potential health concerns that may cause double vision.

It sounds like your optometrist thinks that the cause of the double vision is misalignment of the optical centres of your lenses.  Depending on the strength of your prescription, it’s likely that your lenses are only correct when the centre of the lens lines up with the centre of your pupil.  If the centre of one lens is higher than the other, it can cause symptoms of headaches, eye strain, or even double vision.  It sounds like your optical thinks the problem is that one of the lenses is rotated.  In my experience, however, a rotated lens usually causes symptoms of blur rather than double vision.

Without knowing your prescription exactly and examining your glasses myself, it is hard to say exactly what the problem is.  My recommendation would be to return to your optometrist to have him/her mark on the lens where the optical centres are so that the optical store can see what your optometrist’s concern is.
Good luck!
Dr. Donati

Al wrote:
Hi,
I should probably point out that I haven’t been to an eye doctor in a few years. Anyways, last night my left eye suddenly got really red. The veins in my eye because very red and visible and it looked like it was coming from the bottom up. I put in an eye drop and it cleared up a little bit as the night went on. This morning when I woke up my eye was worse, but I “washed” it out with some warm water and in a couple hours it was completely fine. I’m worried now that I might have acute glaucoma, thanks to some online research. It probably isn’t this (fingers crossed) but I am really worried. I don’t wear contacts/glasses, and it doesn’t hurt or itch. When I put water on it, it stings a little bit for a second or two. Should I be very concerned? I’m very worried about money as I am a uni student and am very low on cash.

ANSWER

Hi Al,
It is very unlikely that it is acute glaucoma as this is a very rare condition especially in the younger population. With acute angle closure glaucoma you would have extreme pain and blurred vision. It is more likely that you may have some sort of conjunctivitis or inflammation. Of course there is no way to know if you are suffering from a serious condition unless you have your eyes examined. I would recommend seeing an optometrist as soon as possible to rule out any serious causes of the redness. You may very well require treatment to assist in the healing of your problem. Good luck.

Dr. Doman