I've had really bad headaches for the past 2 months. I tried everything to ease the tension but couldn't find the root of the problem. Finally I realized that I've been wearing my contacts 7 days a week for more than 10 hours a day. So, I've cut back on wearing contacts. I take them off as soon as I get home from work and I try not to wear them over the weekend. I'm at work right now and it's only been 9 hrs. since I've had them on. I still have 2 hours left until I'm off. I was wondering if I decided to get Lasik Eye Surgery, if this could help my headaches? I don't want to live my life on pain killers or eye glasses.

RubyPitbull

Missi, when was the last time you went for a complete eye exam? I am wondering if the headaches are a result of needing a new prescription. In any event, you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist, not an optician or optometrist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors/surgeons and give very thorough eye exams. Much better than the ones you can get from one of the others I have mentioned. He has equipment that they do not have. He/she will be able to tell you absolutely whether or not you are a good candidate for lasik eye surgery and either he/she can do the procedure, or give you a referral to a good specialist. If you don't know who to call, ask friends, family, or co-workers if they can recommend a good one to you. Good luck!

justtwobad

You should call the Dr. that dispensed the contacts to you in the first place. There could be something more serious going on. You should act immediately. They can also advise and counsel you on Lasik.

RubyPitbull

justtwobad, if she bought them from an optician in an optical store, it is not a good place to go back to. Usually most people buy lenses through one of these stores. Those stores can't properly advise on anything other than what they are trained to do. I have a family history of various eye/vision problems. When I was in college, I worked for a couple of different optical places. I would never, ever, entrust my eyesight or any problems I am having, to an optician. Only an Ophthalmologist. His/her opinion and diagnosis is the only one I would listen to.

justtwobad

Actually Ruby,
I recommended she return to the Dr. that dispensed the Contacts.

You are correct in that many people purchase eyewear and contacts from the chains.

While I agree that she should not address this concern with an optician, there had to be a Doctor involved at some point in the procedure. That is where she should refer. An Opthalmologist isn't necessarily the only choice in opthalmic care. An Optometrist is also equally qualified in this contact lens situation. The Optician typically only takes care of spectacles, but they do work with both Optometrists and Opthalmologists in the same office. Primarily an optician works with spectalces. Although some do dispense contacts as well. But as I said, a return to the initial Dr. would be in order as they have case history on her. And a new Dr. would want a records release to see the case history and possibly complicate the matter for the patient.

An optician for 30+ years

RubyPitbull

In the states?

justtwobad

Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Oregon.

RubyPitbull

Then you are aware of how most young people will buy from these discount centers. It might not be right for me to assume that is where she went but, I don't like assuming they have ever had a thorough eye exam, especially since she is talking about Lasik surgery. You will see, if you (I hope) decide to come back to this forum, that a lot of the posters here are young and usually look to cut corners. Since I am not aware of any professionals on this particular forum, it would be wonderful if you chose to stay and offer advice. I would definitely take a back seat to you.

I understand fully what you are saying and I am not disagreeing at all. It could simply be a matter of a change in prescription. However () if she has never had a thorough eye exam, there is equipment that an ophthamalogist will have that an optometrist does not have access to. She is experiencing headaches and discomfort. I am not questioning anyone's capabilities and knowledge here. I am one of those people who wants/needs to know my full medical condition and all options prior to any surgical procedures. At one time, maybe 10 years ago, I did speak with someone considered a very good optometrist (a friend) about Lasik surgery. He examined to me and told me that I was a good candidate for it and made recommendations. Since I am a big baby when it comes to someone touching my eyes , I went to an ophthalmologist recommended by a family member. Not to get into specifics here but the bottom line was, I was not a good candidate for it. Since that time, I moved to a new area, have seen another ophthalmologist, who in discussing my history, agreed that I was not a good candidate.

Obviously, it is ultimately up to the poster to decide what she will do. I agree completely that this cannot be put off and she needs to see someone. The Lasik surgery is really secondary to the headaches and discomfort she is going through, and those two things really need immediate attention, as you suggested. She posted on March 5. I hope that she has not put it off and has taken the time to have an exam since then.

justtwobad

Ruby,
you're right. I wish people realized how fragile their eyesight can be. I am happy to help where I can. I found the board through having a question of my own to ask.
Great resource!!

MISSIBAYBE...Please don't wait. This could be nothing or something major.

I have nothing more to add here...

RubyPitbull

justtwobad, I just came back online. Missibaybe is rather young. She never made a comment about this post and she posted a question today when you and I were having our friendly "debate" , completely bypassing this posting, it seems. Take a look at her other posting, it is under the Hearing forum. I have found here, the best way to get a handle on other people's personalities is to read through their older posts. Gives me insight on how to handle the current situation going on.