Migraines are caused by inflammation - inflammatory substances are released deep inside the brain and around the blood vessels of the head and brain resulting in migraine symptoms.

Virtually everyone will suffer a migraine attack at some point in their life.

Your first migraine experience can be frightening- the sudden loss of vision preceding an attack followed by flashing lights is often sudden and alarming. Visual symptoms include vision loss, waving lines and sensation of flashing lights. This is often followed by a nasty headache that can cause nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.

Not all migraines are the same

Typical migraines – can include an aura, which can involve flashing lights and blind spots in your field of vision.

Ocular “Eye” migraines - can occur with or without the accompanying headache.

Retinal or ocular migraines are caused by the same inflammation as in typical migraines. Inflammatory substances are released deep inside the brain and around the blood vessels of the head and brain. While both Ocular and Typical migraines affect vision, ocular migraines usually only affect one eye. It is more common for ocular migraine sufferers to have some family history of migraine headaches.

What causes ocular migraine?

The primary cause of ocular migraine is genetics. If you have a family history of migraine headaches, then you have a much higher chance of becoming a migraine sufferer.

It is also thought that migraines may be related to blood vessel constriction or spasms of the retinal blood vessels. The retina is a fine film of neural tissue at the back of your eye that enables us to see. You can check to see if the problem is affecting one eye or both by covering each eye alternately. 

Eye strain may be a contributing factor.

Eye Strain

Eye strain may be a contributing factor to the onset of a migraine.

Your eyes can become strained and fatigued from a range of visual activities including:-

• Computer Screen Work
• Glare from fluorescent or ambient lighting
• Driving for long periods
• TV viewing.

All of the above activities can result in visual fatigue a possible cause for migraines.

An eye examination will reveal if you need a particular type of spectacles to reduce eye fatigue during these activities. 

If you have experienced some visual disturbances or unusual vision symptoms, we recommend that you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our optometrists. In this way we can rule out vision-threatening conditions such as a detached retina. If you are concerned or have any questions regarding migraines please call us 9872 1555 to make an appointment.

A recent AREDS II  study in the US confirms the strong link between the use of antioxidants and the control of Macular Degeneration (MD). Antioxidants and supplements that include zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamins A, C and E and copper were found to help lower the risk for MD or slow down its progression.

Other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids or “good fats,” which are particularly prevalent in cold-water fish, also had a protective effect against advanced macular degeneration. Meanwhile, avoid omega-6 fatty acids, prevalent in vegetable oils, and all processed Canola products which have been linked to an increased risk of developing MD.

Don't wait until it's too late - find out how you can prevent or slow down Macular Degeneration by speaking to one of our professional team of Optometrists.

Click here to book your eye test now to check for macular degeneration or give us a ring on 02 9872 1555

Salmon is good for your vision!

Salmon is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which aids in the prevention of macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eyes. Salmon also contains selenium, which when combined with carotenoids and Vitamins C and E, may reduce the risk of AMD.

Salmon is also a great source of niacin, which helps reduce the risk of cataracts. If you love salmon, you will be happy to know it is recommended to consume salmon or other oily fish such as tuna 3-4 times per week.

Here's a recipe we love to get you started!

Warm potato and salmon salad

Ingredients

• 1 kg baby new potatoes
• 500 g salmon fillets
• 1 cup(240 grams) sour cream
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh dill
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 100 g baby spinach leaves

Looking to protect your eyesight? There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best.

More than 300,000 Australians have Glaucoma, yet only half know about it. Glaucoma is known as the ‘invisible disease’ as it has very few symptoms until the condition is advanced.

In the name of raising awareness for better eye health, here are our top five tips for healthy eyes:

1) Get Your Eyes Tested – The most important thing to ensure good eye health is to get your eyes tested every two years. Even if you think your vision is fine, having a regular eye test can help to detect a number of conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure as well as manage potential sight-threatening diseases including Glaucoma. At Sparks & Feros, optometrists use Digital Retinal Photography to produce a high-resolution photograph of your retina, optic nerve and blood vessel. The benefit of this technology is that images can be kept on file and compared for any changes in your eye over time.

2) Dry Eyes? – Whether it be from staring at your computer or being in an air conditioned office, everyone can get dry, tired eyes from time to time. Using eyedrops before heading into the office can help with this issue. Avoiding exposing your eyes to direct air such as a car heater and hairdryer may also help. If the problem persists, you can visit an optometrist to see if you might need to be treated for dry-eye-syndrome.

3) Wear sunglasses – Dangerous ultraviolet light (UV) can cause damage to your eyes causing problems such as cataracts, degeneration of the macular and in some cases even skin cancer around the eyes. To protect your eyes you should always wear sunglasses that offer good protection when you are driving or outdoors.

The benefits of wearing sunglasses include protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing damage from glare, protection from wind, dust and debris and the noticeable reduction of headaches and eyestrain. Polarised lenses are a great option as unlike ordinary glasses, they eliminate 99.9% of glare from horizontal surfaces such as roads, water and snow.

4) Contact lens care – Keeping a contact lens case in your pocket or your purse creates a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s important to replace your contact lens case every two months and keep it in a clean, dry place. After you put in your contact lenses, make sure the solution is emptied from the case, then rinse and dry the case before you store your lenses in it again. Otherwise, disposable daily contact lenses are a great option.

5) Eat Fresh – Enjoying a nutrient rich diet with plenty of vegetables and leafy greens is important for healthy eyes. Choosing foods that are rich in zinc such as spinach and red meat as well as foods rich in omega-3 such as fish and nuts are a great choice.

Click here to book your eye test now to check for macular degeneration or give us a ring on 02 9872 1555

Did you know that 1 in 4 people over 50 are still not heeding the call to action to have their eyes tested and macula checked despite 85% being aware of macular degeneration?¹

Sparks & Feros Optometrists is supporting Macular Disease Foundation Australia in urging local residents at risk to see their local optometrist and take control of their eye health this Macular Degeneration Awareness Week (24-30 May). Risk factors for macular degeneration include being over the age of fifty, a direct family history, and smoking.

Macular degeneration, Australia’s leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness, affects more than 1.15 million Australians over 50², and without appropriate prevention and treatment measures, this number is set to increase to 1.7 million by 2030, given the rapidly ageing population.

Finding out is as easy as visiting your local optometrist for an eye test and macula check. The very early signs of macular degeneration can now be identified easily by modern technology, such as the Optomap Ultra-wide Retinal Imaging, which enables the optometrist to see the retina at the back of the eye, where the disease develops, and detect early signs of the disease.

Macular Disease Foundation Australia Chief Executive Officer Julie Heraghty says that dismissing symptoms and not seeking advice risks blindness. “Clearly, awareness of macular degeneration is not enough. Testing is essential and symptom recognition is critical to saving sight,” she said.

The symptoms of macular degeneration may include one or more of the following (the 4 Ds):

• Difficulty with reading or any other activity with fine vision.
• Distortion where straight lines appear wavy or bent.
• Distinguishing faces becomes a problem.
• Dark patches or empty spaces appear in the centre of your vision.

“Macular degeneration is a chronic disease requiring early detection and diagnosis. In the case of the wet form, it can progress very quickly and requires urgent treatment to save sight. All Australians over 50 should have a regular eye test and macula check, and monitor for any changes in vision between visits to their optometrist,” said Ms Heraghty.

Along with having an eye test and macula check, Australians over 50 should incorporate the good eye health practices of diet and lifestyle into their everyday health routines. Eat dark green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit and fish. Consideration should be given to an appropriate supplement in consultation with your doctor. Quitting smoking is also critical, as smoking can lead to blindness.

Optometry Australia CEO Genevieve Quilty urged people to go to their local optometrist this week and commended Macular Disease Foundation Australia for helping to raise awareness of eye health in general.

“Macular Degeneration Awareness Week is a great reminder to make an appointment to visit your optometrist today. Early detection is crucial to saving sight,” she said.

For more information call us on 02 9872 1555 or email us at info@sparksferos.com.au

References

1. The study was conducted on the Galaxy Telephone Omnibus in March 2015, among 1,100 Australians nationwide aged 16 years and older. The data was weighted to the latest ABS population estimates.
2. ‘Eyes on the future – A clear outlook on age-related macular degeneration’. Report by Deloitte Access Economics & Macular Degeneration Foundation, 2011. 2014 projections are a linear projection between 2010 and 2015 estimates.

About macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia. All Australians over the age of 50 years should have an eye test and make sure their macula is checked. The macula is the central part of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The macula processes all central visual images and is responsible for the ability to drive, see colours clearly, read and recognise faces. Macular degeneration causes damage to the macula, resulting in central vision loss.

About Macular Disease Foundation Australia

Macular Disease Foundation Australia’s vision is to reduce the incidence and impact of macular disease in Australia through education, awareness, research, support services and representation.

The Foundation is a national charity providing information, guidance and support for those living with macular disease, primarily macular degeneration, which is responsible for fifty percent of all vision loss and blindness in Australia. It is the voice of the macular disease community.

About Optometry Australia

Optometry Australia is the peak professional organisation for almost 90% of Australian optometrists.

Click here to book your eye test now to check for macular degeneration or give us a ring on 02 9872 1555