Discomfort and eyestrain from side nosepads? Ethmoid sinuses relieved by unifit or strap bridge?

Discussion in 'Eye-Care' started by Jonathan Westbay, Sep 13, 2004.

  1. For many years, I've been wearing metal frames with side nosepads. My
    last pair had lighter lenses, and the pair before had larger pads
    (which looked OK because it was a large frame), which probably
    distributed the weight better. But my current frames are driving me
    absolutely nuts. I've been traumatized by a pulling sensation in the
    eyes, I feel like I just want to stare. My eyes don't seem to move as
    easily, they hurt when they move, harder to refocus and concentrate,
    hard to concentrate when reading and scanning text...especially on the
    computer. My eyes basically go slightly berserk. I perceived this as
    due to distortions and lack of optical acuity. Certainly not
    presbyopia, I'm only 25, and my doc said my eyes are quite healthy,
    aside from being quite myopic (-4 -1.25 180).

    But I've noticed that elevating my current stylish rectangular metal
    half-rim frames off the sides of my nose with a cotton ball is really
    relieving my headaches. This is true whether my eyes are open or
    closed. Of course I notice it more when I'm actually trying to see,
    and everything feels locked up.

    I noticed this before, just lifting them off the nose with my hands.
    But I felt my improved comfort was simply because of the increased
    vertex distance relieving accommodation stress, and averaging out
    errors that need redoing--astigmatism too high in one lens, an overly
    narrow PD, and the OC's being raised up into place. Certainly, these
    corrections will probably help also. But I believe perhaps discomfort
    is actually contributing moreso to my visual difficulties.

    I don't trust my current optical. They wouldn't even replace my
    acrylic nosepads with silicone to stop the slipping on my oily
    skin...I complained and they said that replacing them would not help.
    Either they are actually very stupid, or just provide poor
    service--especially for an independent. (I have had similar problems
    previously at Sears). Exasperated, I took my new frames to a Sams'
    Club while shopping and had round silicone nosepads fitted...now they
    stay in place, at least. They aren't really leaving marks. But they
    still give me a headache.

    Why do they even sell frames with pads on the sides? Am I in a
    minority of people who experience discomfort there? I've read a few
    accounts of how a "unifit" or "strap" bridge is more comfortable,
    because of the way it distributes the weight. Using the cotton ball
    between the pads produces a similar effect, but certainly isn't the
    best permanent solution. What would be the best way to get the weight
    away from any sinus areas or sensitive nerves, and distribute it well,
    regardless of cosmetic value?...for times I really need to look good,
    I'll wear contact lenses anyway.

    My theory for why I might be particularly sensitive--the ethmoid
    sinuses are located in this region between the eyes. Perhaps most
    people's might not fall in that region, or be so sensitive. But I
    come from a family of opera singers, and vocal resonance is enhanced
    by the sinuses...we are trained to notice this and focus the sound
    there...so because of a combination of training and genetics, mine are
    probably more developed and sensitive than the average person. I do
    notice that my singing does not sound as good with glasses. Sound,
    from a performer's perspective, is actually highly influenced by
    tactile sensation from internal vibrations, a feedback loop to help
    refine and adjust one's technique. It doesn't take much weight to
    dampen vibrations on a thin, resonant surface.

    This region is also tied into the optic nerve. So it seems a pain
    message could cause eye muscles to lock up, resulting in strain and
    reduced eye motility. Anyone with a bad sinus headache can note
    similar symptoms. Please refer to the following link for a more
    in-depth reference:

    http://www.myentphysician.com/scripts/content/anatomy/index.php?doctor=davidson

    "The ethmoid structure is highly variable; in fact, every person's
    ethmoid structure is unique, like a fingerprint."

    And again, optical professionals in the Detroit area, I don't have
    insurance, but I'll pay your worth for top-quality help.
     
    Jonathan Westbay, Sep 13, 2004
    #1
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