It still hurts to read...Is it Lamictal?

[Wobblez]

When I started the Lamictal, I noticed what felt like eye-strain, shortly after I started studying. I went to see my Optomotrist who detected a slight myopic shift. As my Lamictal was increased and my body adjusted, the shift reduced and then returned to normal. However for over 12months now it's still been hurting to read, despite my new set of glasses. I get a headache fairly quickly once I start reading and my eyes struggle. Computers are even worse! It happens when I read novels during my uni break too, so I don't think its psychosomatic, procrastination or fatigue. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[Autumn Breeze]

Yes, it's one of the wonderful side effects. My vision got worse when I went back on it. I've been lazy about getting back to the eye doctor (no insurance puts a damper on it too)

I would go get new glasses, and force yourself to wear them. You will only have more headaches and worse eye strain if you don't. I've been wearing glasses my entire adult life, I was very bad about wearing them while I was still in school.

 

[huskymom]

Since you just got new glasses recently, how about a pair of reading glasses? I have had to start using them as I was having trouble reading. They are working great!

 

[Nakamova]

It gives me blurry vision too, although not my computer/reading vision -- that's still fine. It's stuff about 7 feet away, or text on the TV or a LED background that I can't read without squinting. Doing a lot of squinting these days...

 

[Wobblez]

Hmmmm...interesting. Charging Bird I've just got new glasses and they aren't helping. I can't see why reading glasses would make any difference because of this. How irritating for us all!

 

[arnie]

Reading glasses could make a huge difference, actually. The glasses that you wear to help your distance vision will do nothing for your close-up correction. You can find out easily enough by trying a pair of inexpensive reading glasses, even from the dollar store (though those will probably be uncomfortable. A better pair is only about 20 bucks, though.) Go into the store with a book and try various strengths on and see how it feels to read the text. You will be able to tell immediately if it helps. I have a half-pair of frameless ones for when I need to switch from close to distance frequently, a second pair with a different strength for only reading, and a third strength for playing the piano.

 

[huskymom]

I agree with Arnie. Cheap is the way to go. Mine cost about 14 bucks. I picked up a medicine bottle with tiny print to find the strength that works well for me. I have to take them off for anything else though. Makes everything blurry.

 

[Autumn Breeze]

See, I've always had vision issues. I need glasses for everything, reading glasses don't "work" for me because when I look up from the book I can't see properly! lol

 

[arnie]

See, I've always had vision issues. I need glasses for everything, reading glasses don't "work" for me because when I look up from the book I can't see properly! lol

Maybe it's time for bifocals or trifocals then. I was wearing trifocals before I had lasik surgery done (about 12 years ago). After the surgery I went almost a decade without glasses or readers or anything. It was great. Now I'm using reading glasses more, but that's OK. Have you ever used bifocals? If you need them, get the progressive lens type.

 

[Autumn Breeze]

I definitely agree with you there! I'm over due for an eye exam, but I expect I'll have bifocals at least. I'm ok with it, but I'll have to splurge for the progressives because while there is a difference...it's not a big difference.

 

[sixyearsold]

Wear and eye patch! I wear one on my right eye when my eye starts hurt(doing computer work or reading for awhile). It might look silly but its working for me!