Hello
I have cataracts which are not causing problems with my sight but are causing problems with glare which is giving me frequent migraines lasting four days. The optician said the cataracts are mild and not to go to the GP. I went to the GP about the migraines but he said the only answer is cataract surgery but that I need an optician referral. I feel stuck between the two but the migraines are badly affecting my day-to-day life. Polaroid prescription sunglasses and avoiding many places with bright lights helps but is restricting my activities. Does anyone else have migraines?
have you always had migraines? I had them since my teenage years. Have yours recently started around time cataracts diagnosed? Migraines ate different than headaches and I know those can be painful too as I get headaches as well. I didn’t think migraines were caused by cataracts. Typical causes are certain foods, weather pressure, hormones.
Cataracts depending where you live our covered by heath are if they are bad enough. In Canada that’s considered worse than 20/40 and one wouldn’t pass driving test. If eyes can still correct with glasses they aren’t considered bad enough.
Have you tried certain medication to deal with migraines? There are some hood ones on the market.
Depending on your age having cataract surgery may make them worse. Ie diopters between eyes or if pupils dilate beyond IOL. That was a concern of mine having had cataract surgery at 53.
Do some digging and research as it is a bigger deal than a lot of people realize - with many impacts. I am really unsure whether a medical doc can diagnose why migraines occur. I kept a journal of many things trying to figure out source of mine. Drs like to treat symptoms and rarely do much yo get to the why. Much the same experience with allergies.
Best wishes to you as I am sure it’s not an easy decision either way.
Thank you. I’ve always had migraines and my three triggers are bright lights/glare, stress and hormones. They improved post menopause. I still got frequent auras with occasional headache whilst working under fluorescent lights post menopause. I had no migraines for five years post retirement and they have started again with bright lights, usually in shops. The difference now is the headache is not quite as painful but they are lasting four days and making me feel generally ill. The current migraines are definitely caused by glare - the optician diagnosed this and the GP agreed. OTC medication doesn’t touch it and the GP has not offered anything.
That’s unfortunate. Would wearing sunglasses help? I found everything so bright after surgeries for weeks wore sunglasses even inside to cut the glare.
I get migraines with drastic weather changes/pressure. Nothing I can do to prevent. Have to do something right at the beginning or they last days. Something I have had success with is pure peppermint essential oils (quality one no synthetic or carrier oils added). Really helps me.
Have your doctors confirmed all is well with IOLs - hoping you avoided going with mini or full monovision. That was something I avoided due to migraines.
Hoping you get some relief.