Eye Strain: Should I get a second opinion?

[DuallyX]

I regularly suffer from severe headaches that are (I believe) due to eye strain. It's not that unreasonable to think so, as I currently do graphic design work. I work on a 22in. CRT at 1600x1200@100mhz (sometimes higher resolution @85mhz, if I need the extra space). Sometimes I also get the headaches while reading books or just sitting in the classroom.

I have seen my eye doctor regarding this problem, and he basically said he couldn't do anything, but suggested I try doing my work without my glasses and to take frequent breaks and walk around (so that I am focusing on things farther away.)

I am near-sighted, but my prescription is only -1.00, so I'm not blind. I do have a convergence problem, as well as congential cataracts and slight astigmatism.

Sometimes the headaches are bad enough that when I get home, all I can do is go to bed in a dark, quiet room.

Have any of you experienced headaches due to eyestrain, and has your eye doctor been able to help you?

 

[FrOsTxxbYtE]

wear sunglasses

 

[waylman]

Eye Strain: Should I get a second opinion?

yeah, see a neurologist

 

[DuallyX]

Originally posted by: FrOsTxxbYtE
wear sunglasses

I do...

 

[aircooled]

Your headaches may have nothing to do with your work.
Do you get them when you take a day off and stay away from monitors/TV etc..?

You may need to speak with a medical doctor rather than an eye doctor. I have a nephew who gets migraines regularly, and with regulated medication, he has gotten much better.

 

[DuallyX]

Originally posted by: aircooled
Your headaches may have nothing to do with your work.
Do you get them when you take a day off and stay away from monitors/TV etc..?

You may need to speak with a medical doctor rather than an eye doctor. I have a nephew who gets migraines regularly, and with regulated medication, he has gotten much better.

Generally, yes, it is just after a few hours of work. I get random headaches at other times (such as sinus headaches) but these have a certain "feel" to them, that is different from others.

 

[waylman]

http://www.realage.com/health_guides/Headache/introduction.asp?memberId=06370*4023577

 

[DuallyX]

Thanks for the link. I answered the questionaire, and it suggests that my headaches are 89% likely migraine headaches, as opposed to tension or cluster headaches.

EDIT: After the questionaire, it lists eye strain as another alternative, so I'll have to read up on both migraines and eyestrain some more.