I just made an appointment for my daughter with a behavioral optometrist. He is the only one in the entire state and he is 250 miles away. However, he thinks he can bring her some relief through vision therapy. We are hopeful.

In the meantime...the book "Brainlash" by Gail Denton is an absolute God-send. She describes how people with eye strain typically get tight facial muscles and gives some very practical tips on massage/accupressure.

This morning my girl woke up with wicked headache, nausea, etc. I tried the massage/accupressure on her face and some reflexology on her feet that I learned awhile back. She felt better very, very quickly and went on to school. I don't know if it will "stick" for the whole day, but it makes sense and there are no side effects.

I don't understand why the bazillion doctors we have seen all point to optic nerve trauma but not one of them offered any of these options for treatment. I have had to research everything on my own. Even the most helpful doctor gave us just a few at home exercises and said, "give it time." No suggestions for relieving her pain or referrals for more intensive treatment.

It leaves caregivers with a very nagging sense of "what if there is something to help and I just haven't found it yet?"

I also don't understand why none of these doctors tell you that problems with optic nerve affect more than just 20/20 vision. It can lead to memory/concentration/cognition issues, panic attacks, etc. I guess if they can't give you surgery or a pill you're on your own.