Rethinking Prism Glasses
 

I just got back from neuro optometrist where I was taught 6 different vision

therapy to improve my vision. I was a little disappointed that the vision

therapist has only been doing this for about 1 month. I came prepared with

questions and hoped to get answers. I was a little hesitant about the

answers she gave as she does not have a lot of experience.


When I was there I asked about the terrible headaches, eye pain, nausea

etc. that I have been experiencing and I was told that I need to cut back

on wearing the prims glasses.


Even after cutting back my eyes are still really sore and I have pain around

my eyes as well as bad headaches, but not as bad as the 2 previous weeks.

I called the office because I did not want to start the vision therapy feeling

as bad as I do and knowing that the vision therapy is going to add extra

stress to the situation, I was told that the neuro optometrist would have to

see me to figure out if I have the right prism glasses or if there is another

issue with my eyes.


The problem is I have lost confidence that these people know what they are

doing, on top of a new vision therapist my original neuro optometrist is now

on maternity leave and I have to see a replacement who just arrived back in

Canada from Berkley.


I have to travel over 5 hours to get to the appointment, and it l can't find a

ride which is resulting in me talking transit (bus, train, subway and 2 other

buses). The total trip is over 7 hours. I really don't feel up to it.


I can read and watch t.v. less than I ever could......any suggestions.

I am still only now in month 11.5, so I am still learning. I have been doing vision therapy for 7 months and vestibular therapy for 2 weeks.

I know that it seems so difficult that not many specialists know about this condition. I have been to the UC Berkeley's binocular vision clinic, which knows a lot about mtbi and vision issues. Even they don't know why I am not improving.

The truth is that each case is unique, and even when they do know what is the cause of the issue, there isn't much they can do.

Even with prism glasses and the exercises, my vision improvement has plateaued. I still have daily headaches. No one is sure what is going on.

I take breaks from the exercises and glasses. I don't watch too much tv or read for too long (30 minute blocks; 2 hours at most a day). I've been on sick leave for one year and will be on leave again for next.

I am going to UCSF vestibular clinic in September because there must be some vision-vestibular connection. I am beginning to realize that even if we do get to some root cause, this is my new reality for awhile.

My best advice is to listen to your body. If it hurts, stop. The prism glasses and exercises can help, but you should not expect instant results. You are rebuilding new pathways and this takes time.

If the transit to the appointment is too taxing (7 hours is all day!)-don't go. The best you can do for yourself is to rest-don't underestimate the time and energy required to travel.

I hope you find some respite--;)

Thanks
 

I find that since I have been wearing the prism glasses my balance is worse.

Vision is a key component to vestibular and balances and I would assume messing with it has other consequences. My prism glasses are to correct Mid Line Sift Syndrome.

I feel frustrated that I can not get clear direction but you are right nobody really does not know. I want to get back to work and I feel like everything is conspiring against it.

The other discouraging things is I may go all the way to this appointment and really not get any answers..... I suppose I should start thinking more positively, however it is hard when you feel terrible.

Let me know how you are doing.

Normaw

What prism level do you have? Maybe it is too much to start with?

I am not sure. I have made an appointment to see the neuro optometrist on Tuesday. I think that is what they are trying to figure out if it is the wrong prescription or if there is something else wrong.

I have book the train and have hired a taxi to pick me up at the train station drive me about 50 minutes to the appointment, wait and then return me to the train station. It will cost a flat rate of $130, I at least feel confident I can make it there and back. Taking 2 subways and 2 buses for a couple of hours just seemed too much.

I have cut back to wearing my glasses maybe one hour and 1/2 per day and my eyes are still sore. I also am now experience double vision when looking at print and my vision is blurred.

I am really kind of confused as to what to do. Maybe I am not ready? Wrong prescription? I can now do less than every.

I hope to get some answers on Tuesday.

I Can Relate
 

I am sorry you are going threw this.My first vestibular therapist was clueless!I fired him after I had a few seizures.Six vision therapies on first day is WAY too much.I suggest you find a new one quickly that has more experience.If you have any other questions you can PM me:hug: