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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
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12 Questions To Ask An Optometrist About Migraines Pains

migraine management - eyedeology

Migraines are a common neurological disorder that can cause moderate to severe throbbing pain predominantly on one side of the head which can last for hours or even days. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to migraine management, but there are several strategies that can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Understanding migraine triggers and investing in helpful migraine treatment options will allow you to continue to do things that you enjoy without having to worry about your symptoms! 

How Optometrists Can Help With Migraine Management

Optometrists do not diagnose or medically treat migraines but do deal with ocular migraines. Many patients experience symptoms of ocular migraines and optometrists can help patients understand and manage their symptoms. Certain ocular issues like retinal detachments, cataracts may have similar symptoms to people experiencing migraines. Therefore it is important you visit your optometrist to rule out any ocular condition. Optometrists are able to recommend migraine-reducing therapy like special lenses, botox, and lifestyle changes to help you manage your symptoms. Optometrists are also able to refer patients to other physicians, like neurologists etc who treat migraines.

12 Questions to Ask Your Optometrist in Calgary

1. Are visual migraine eyes related?

Migraine auras include different visual sensations like flashes, seeing zig zag lines, dots, or vision loss for a period of time. It is vital you book an appointment with your optometrist if you are having any visual symptoms due to a migraine.

2. Does an ocular migraine require a trip to the ER?

It is important to get checked by an optometrist when experiencing an ocular migraine. Your doctor will be able to assess and determine if a trip to the ER is required. Alberta health care covers optometry visits if you are experiencing an ocular migraine.

3. My colleagues’ visual migraine sounds nothing like mine. What’s up?

Everyone has different triggers and severity of symptoms.It is important you and your doctor have a plan in place to avoid certain triggers and they provide you with the knowledge and tools to better manage your symptoms. 

4. What kind of climate conditions cause migraine problems

Climate-related conditions that can cause migraines include changes in barometric pressure, dry or very humid air, extreme sunlight and glare, extreme heat or cold, and windy conditions.

5. Are Migraine Pains ever an emergency?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms you should head to the ER or see your primary care physician like a GP or optometrist. If you find your symptoms are unbearable and require immediate attention then heading to the ER may be the best option otherwise your primary care physician will be able to assess and determine if an ER visit is required. 

6. Should I keep a track of my Migraine Headaches?

Yes, keeping track of your migraines can greatly help you and your healthcare provider. By keeping track of your migraines you will be able to identify what triggers to avoid, how to manage your pain, what treatments are working for you etc. There are resources like apps you can get to help in tracking your migraines. Important things to note during migraines are when the migraine started and lasted, intensity of the pain, did you experience an aura and other symptoms.

7. Is there a chance my migraine symptoms might go away in a few years?

Since there is no cure, only preventative measures for migraine doctors can’t provide a permanent solution, however, people can go into remission. Patients’ symptoms can go away or become very infrequent. 

8. Are there some lifestyle changes that might help prevent my headaches, such as diet, exercise or meditation?

Yes, lifestyle changes like having a consistent sleep schedule, eating healthy foods, regular exercise, and drinking enough water can reduce the amount of migraines you experience.

9. How might my migraine headaches affect my life, and what changes, if any, should I make?

Migraines can have the potential to impact your presence at work, social gatherings, and at home. The effects can trickle into your work output, how you behave with people around you and even your mental health. It is important to speak with a medical physician so they can empower you with resources, and medication and recommend lifestyle changes needed so your symptoms can become manageable. Your healthcare professional may recommend mindfulness techniques like meditation or yoga, getting more sleep, and avoiding certain food and drinks. 

10. What are the different types of Visual Auras?

While migraines generally come with symptoms like pulsing or throbbing head pain, nausea, and increased sensitivity to sound, light, and smells, some people can experience aura symptoms, too. These auras often develop before the migraine headache occurs.

Positive Aura

Includes seeing zigzagging lines, bright stars or shimmering lights and shapes at the edge of your vision.

Negative Aura

Including seeing dark holes, blind spots and tunnel vision.

Altered Visual Aura

kaleidoscope vision, or visual distortions in that you perceive straight lines as wavy or blurred, or large objects as small objects. distance and colour perception can also be altered with visual aura.

11. Is Migraine Pain covered under insurance?

Optometrists are able to monitor patients and recommend preventative measures, follow-up with patients with Ocular Migraines, and co-manage care with Ophthalmologists and family Physicians when required. Alberta Health Care covers these visits. Migraine treatments options like glasses or botox can be covered by insurance companies billable by the patients. 

 

What treatment options are available for Migraine Pains?

There are a number of traditional strategies that can help manage migraines, in addition to taking medication. Things like practicing stress-relief techniques such as yoga or meditation, drinking plenty of fluids, eating regular meals and snacks, getting enough sleep, taking breaks from bright lights and loud noises, avoiding excessive caffeine consumption, wearing sunglasses outdoors to reduce light sensitivity and putting cold compresses on the forehead or neck to relieve pain. Eyedeology is also proud to offer Avulux Lenses, a one-of-a-kind lens built to specifically target migraines by filtering out harmful blue lights and allowing soothing green light to enter. Call us at 587-353-5061 to learn more!

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
587-317-2134