One common reason patients visit an eye doctor is for vision disturbances and headaches which may be caused by migraines. In the US, about 12% of the population experiences migraines, with women being the most heavily affected demographic. While an eye doctor can't diagnose migraines, they can help in other ways.

Ruling Out Other Causes

Migraines often cause vision changes, vision loss, and eye pain. But these issues can stem from eye problems, which you need glasses or contact lenses to correct. It’s especially difficult for someone to tell the difference when a migraine aura presents without pain, which is a lesser known but still common occurrence. By talking to an eye doctor about your symptoms and receiving an exam, you can rule out other causes of vision problems.

Specialized Vision Correction

If you do have a vision problem which is causing your symptoms or making them worse, your eye doctor can help. Vision correction lessens head or eye pain caused by eye strain. Your optometrist can also offer advice about how to deal with the temporary vision loss and other symptoms which can result from a migraine attack. This is especially important when you're doing an activity where vision is critical, such as driving. We have specialty lenses made for migraine sufferers that can reduce migraine triggers. Having a plan for coping with your vision changes and knowing the signs of an impending migraine aura can help to manage the headache. 

If you're experiencing unusual visual symptoms, make an appointment with Allens Creek Family Optometry in Rochester, NY. Their experienced eye doctors, Dr. Joan Kaplow and Dr. Jennifer Bateman, offer the latest developments in eye exam and vision correction technology for Monroe County patients. They serve both children and adults, and can diagnose the earliest stages of many vision-related diseases and conditions. To schedule an appointment, call (585) 461-6225. To read more about their adult and pediatric eye exams, as well as their Vision Therapy programs, visit their website.