phone Book Now
phone Book Now
Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
587-353-5061 Book Appointment

Migraine: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Management Explained

Migraine Management Explained 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. Sudden movements, bright lights, or loud noises can aggravate migraine symptoms. One in four people experiences an ocular migraine/aura which is a temporary visual distortion that often begins with a small sparkling or flashing, shimmering area that slowly expands outward or a blank spot that lasts up to 30 minutes. Some people may even experience temporary loss in vision when experiencing an aura. According to Statistics Canada, migraine prevalence is highest among people between the ages of 30 to 40 years with a higher incidence in women.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to migraine management, but there are several strategies that can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of 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!

Migraine Symptoms

Migraine symptoms vary from person to person but can typically include headaches that throb or pulse on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, and/or blurred vision. In some cases, people can also experience visual auras.

Migraine Triggers

Common migraine triggers include stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, food sensitivities, caffeine intake or withdrawals, hormonal imbalances, changes in weather or barometric pressure, and exposure to bright lights or loud noises. Up to 60% of migraine attacks are actually triggered by light, and this can be light from fluorescent television and indoor lighting, computer screens and/or sunlight.

Migraine Treatment Options At Eyedeology

There are a number of traditional strategies that can help manage migraines, in addition to taking medication. These include:

  1. Practicing stress-relief techniques such as yoga or meditation
  2. Drinking plenty of fluids
  3. Eating regular meals and snacks
  4. Getting enough sleep
  5. Taking breaks from bright lights and loud noises
  6. Avoiding excessive caffeine consumption
  7. Wearing sunglasses outdoors to reduce light sensitivity
  8. Putting cold compresses on the forehead or neck to relieve pain

While there are medications and lifestyle changes that can help you manage the symptoms of a migraine, at Eyedeology we offer Avulux, a first-of-its-kind lens clinically proven to prevent and treat migraine attacks and provide light sensitivity relief. In clinical trials, 90% of Avulux users experienced relief from their migraines enough to carry on with their daily activities and 74% of users were able to reduce their dependence on medications for pain management.

When certain cells in your eyes are exposed to bright light, migraines can be triggered. Avulux migraine glasses are specifically designed to filter out the most painful blue, amber and red lights that we are exposed to on a daily basis while allowing soothing beneficial green light to pass through. These lenses help reduce migraine symptoms like throbbing, painful headaches, vertigo, and light sensitivity. Backed by over 8 years of research and design, Avulux lenses are designed so that your eyes are still protected and your world is not colour distorted like in traditional sunglasses, making them perfect for indoor or outdoor use! At Eyedeology, we are able to make these lenses in your prescription using any frame, including your own, or in one of Avulux’s lightweight and durable frames.

Try this no-risk option to manage all the difficult symptoms of migraines supported by science and evidence. Let us help you in treating and preventing migraine pain without the side effects of medications, and make Avulux your go-to migraine pain management tool! Call us at 587-353-5061 or email [email protected] to know more about this revolutionary eye care product available at our clinic in SW Calgary – Eyedeology.

recent post

phone Call NowBook Now

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