TLE/Eye Strain

[Cinnabar]

Lately, I've been experiening localized eye strain in my left eye. Yesterday, I had a thourough exam by my opthomologist. He said my eyes were perfect and that perhaps this problem is symptomatic of something else going wrong with my body. I did a search re: eye strain and Epilepsy and found little. I will be making an appointment with my neurologist and speaking with my doctor who has a minor in neurology. I've never had this problem since seizuring and was wondering if anyone else has experienced these annoying and sometimes very painful eye problems or has links that can be provided.
Always Laurie

[Bernard]

I used to get eye strain when looking at CRT monitors all day long (~10-12 hours a day) while programming. Once I switched to flat panel LCDs, the eye strain dissappeared completely.

Is it possible that you are reading too much?

[1096]

make sure the level of Hz (refresh rate) on ur compute monitor settings is above 75, preferably 85+

eat carrots!

[haird18]

While I was in Dallas the last time I found out that the occiptal lobe located at the back of the brain. This part controls your eye movement and all other eye conditions. And when people have seizures they can flashing lights ,blurred vision, eye strain, and sometimes temporary blindness. Make sure you tell your neurologist./epiletologist. This very important.
David Hair

[Cinnabar]

Thanks so much, David. You have much knowledge! I'm seeing my psychiatrist next week who knows quite a bit about neurology and am making an appt with my neurologist today. I'll have to wait until next month to see him, I imagine, as he always has a long waiting list. Though, I'm going to try to get him on the phone today. I hope this isn't permanent!

I aready have Glaucoma ( the silent disease) for which there is no cure. It can causes blindness. It's herititary and grandparents on both sides of my family had it and lost their sight. I don't need another problem on top of that! Thanks for the information and direction...

Always Laurie

PS All I knew was about was the flashing lights

[Cinnabar]

I used to get eye strain when looking at CRT monitors all day long (~10-12 hours a day) while programming. Once I switched to flat panel LCDs, the eye strain dissappeared completely.

Is it possible that you are reading too much?

What is a flat panel LCD? I thought of going to Staples and asking about screens to cut down on glare.PS I do read alot. Perfect reading glasses and make sure the light is behind me. Laurie

[Cinnabar]

Thanks: Will look into how to do that! Laurie

[Bernard]

What is a flat panel LCD?

LCD = Liquid Crystal Display


CRT = Cathode Ray Tube

All About Monitors - CRT vs. LCD

Basically, there is no flicker on an LCD and there is less eye strain.

[hawke86]

Eye Strain sucks, especially since I'm legally blind. I have to be extra careful when going around corners. Cause I can no longer see to the sides any more. I also have loss of vision sometimes.

[Birdbomb]

Once you switch to a LCD screen, you'll wonder how you ever put up with a CRT.

Are you taking Topamax by any chance? It has a rare but NASTY side effect of causeing severe eye pain and blindness.

[hawke86]

No, I don't take Topamax.

[Birdbomb]

Several years ago I used Topamax, until I received a notice from the EFA warning of this adverse event. I had gone to my primary care doctor, 2 different eye doctors and my neurologist but none of them knew what was causing the pain. Once I got that warning, my neurologist stopped the Topamax and the pain went away.

The pain was so bad, it was just blinding!

[Loudmouth]

I've got the eye pain and loss of vision as a SE from my topamax, my eye tester ( brain blank proper word is eluding me??!!) has flagged it up to my GP, in JUNE am STILL on topamax as GP is not authourised to take me off it, even though he put me on it, I have to wait to see my neurologist, my !st appointment with the new one at queen's is on the 18th, I'm hoping he takes me off it cos my eyes are getting worse every day. I've started to bang into things now, and can't see things, you know, out of the 'edges' of your eyes...the kids are getting away with pulling faces at me now, I imagine! Topamax is horrid stuff, given the SE's i'm experiencing, i.e vision loss I'm told will be permanent, plus the bi-polar it's causeing, Can't wait to see the back of this anti-epileptic drug, 7 days and counting now!!!!!

[Loudmouth]

I've got the eye pain and loss of vision as a SE from my topamax, my eye tester ( brain blank proper word is eluding me??!!) has flagged it up to my GP, in JUNE am STILL on topamax as GP is not authourised to take me off it, even though he put me on it, I have to wait to see my neurologist, my !st appointment with the new one at queen's is on the 18th, I'm hoping he takes me off it cos my eyes are getting worse every day. I've started to bang into things now, and can't see things, you know, out of the 'edges' of your eyes...the kids are getting away with pulling faces at me now, I imagine! Topamax is horrid stuff, given the SE's i'm experiencing, i.e vision loss I'm told will be permanent, plus the bi-polar it's causeing, Can't wait to see the back of this anti-epileptic drug, 7 days and counting now!!!!!

[Cinnabar]

Birdbomb, I know! Just blinding...I see my pshyc/neur this Wednesday and will be asking him about my medications and how they could be affecting my eye. I'm on a lot of medications for my Bi-Polar condition (I get double duty out of Lamictal because it also works well for Epilepsy. My meds are finally the perfect "cocktail" mix. I'd hate to make even one change but I can't go around like this 'swinting" like I've had too much apple cider vinegar! Cinnabar

[Cinnabar]

Loudmouth - The strain is in the outside corner of my left eye. I have Glaucoma (a silent eye disease which there is no cure for) my problemed glaucoma eye coincides with the sharp shooting pain. Got the good OK from my opthomolosgist. So, as I told Birdbomb it's off to my shirnk to discuss pills.

Did you say you have Bi-Polar? Welcome to the group. Assuming you've been stabilized - how long has it been? What an elevator ride it used to be! I was more the "happy" type of Bi-Polar (got into a lot of fun trouble - then of course the crash) My aunt is more of the "depressed" Bi-Polar person. There does appear to be two types of strains.

Well, now with Epilepsy we have more balls to juggle. I also have DID which I'm trying to bring of the closet along with Epilepsy. Sometimes, I just say....OK. Keep bringing em on!
Always - Laurie

[Cinnabar]

That's where the beginning of Glaucoma starts. Loss of perifferal vision. You might want to go to an opthomologist (not an optomotrist) and have them check the pressure in your eyes and administer a Visual Field test. Just to be on the safe side to make sure you don't have what I have. I must take two eye drops twice a day and still there's no guarantee I won't go blind. It's just something that might help. So, it would be wise to check it out with a doctor. Best Laurie

[Cinnabar]

Can you buy a LCD flat screen monitor, lets say at Staples, or is it something exclusive you have to order? And is it compatable for lap tops?

Always Laurie

[Bernard]

Can you buy a LCD flat screen monitor, lets say at Staples, or is it something exclusive you have to order? And is it compatable for lap tops?

You can find LCD monitors anywhere computer equipment is sold (online or in computer stores, walmart, best buy, etc.).

Most lap tops have a video port which allows you to connect an external monitor, but the screen displays on lap tops are LCD displays, so there wouldn't be much point (unless you just enjoy a bigger screen).

[haird18]

Bernard, and Laurie,
Being legally blind these LCDS seem to me see the screen alot better . Everyday I use the computer now I don't have tosquint or strain because my opthamologist cant't do any thing more to correct my vision they did all they could. I belong to a blind rehab now and they provide magnifiers etc. which helps for me.
David