Motion sickness is an unpleasant condition that can affect both adults and children. From traveling, to reading in the car, to watching movies or playing video games, often times motion sickness is triggered at the most inopportune times. For some people who suffer from motion sickness symptoms, an underlying vision issue may be to blame.
Neuro-Ocular Vestibular Dysfunction (See-Sick Syndrome)
Neuro-Ocular Vestibular Dysfunction (NOVD), also known as “See-Sick Syndrome (SSS)” occurs when our vision and balance (vestibular) systems in our body do not communicate correctly. See-Sick Syndrome causes a person to be super sensitive to light, as well as experience motion sickness with visual motion and eye movement.
Symptoms
See-Sick Syndrome causes many symptoms that can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks like driving and reading. Some patients have reported being unable to shop in large stores with bright lights, developing tunnel vision that prohibits them from driving safely, and suffering from bruising due to running into objects and stumbling or falling. Severe SSS can be debilitating at times. SSS symptoms include:
- Photophobia, also known as light sensitivity
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance/coordination
- Nausea
- Fear of heights
- Depression and more
Treatment
If your motion sickness or sensitivity to light is determined to be caused by a vision issue, vision therapy treatment may help. By working to reconnect the brain and the eye, vision therapy exercises can significantly improve vision and coordination skills. In addition, you may benefit from corrective lenses or syntonics, a special color light therapy.
If you suffer from motion sickness and suspect a vision issue, contact Family Vision Development Center right away to set up a comprehensive eye exam. Our highly qualified doctors will determine if you have any underlying vision issues, and we will customize a program to meet your individual needs. Visit us online or call 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment.
Additional information referenced here and here.
According to a report from the Prevent Blindness organization, “Of the more than 4.4 million Americans age 40 and older who are visually impaired or blind, 2.7 million are women.” Not only do women outnumber men in this area, but the report also predicts that these numbers will continue to grow in the future. Women are at a greater risk than men for specific diseases as well, including cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. It is critical that women of all ages make their eye care a priority and take steps now to prevent disease and permanent vision loss.
Healthy Lifestyle
Leading a healthy lifestyle can have a very positive impact on vision and eye health. Not only can certain foods help enhance and protect your vision, but making smart choices like wearing UV protection when outdoors will also help. Additional preemptive actions include not smoking, exercising regularly, and limiting your time in front of electronics that cause eye strain.
Knowledge
Educating themselves is another great way that women can practice good visual self-care. Taking time to research family history is important, as some eye diseases are hereditary. In addition, read up on the safest ways to use contacts and cosmetics. Also ask your doctor about any medications you are taking that may affect your vision.
Regular Eye Exams
While women are at a higher risk for eye disease, many conditions can be managed with early detection and proper treatment. It’s imperative that women receive regular eye exams, yet Prevent Blindness conducted an online survey that found one in four women had not had an eye exam in the past two years, due primarily to cost factors. Family Vision Development Center recommends that women get an annual eye exam, which may or may not include dilatation when needed. These exams can detect issues early-on, which could make the difference in whether or not you lose your vison.
Family Vision Development Center in Aurora provides comprehensive eye exams among our many other services. Let us help you protect one of your most precious gifts – the gift of sight! Call us at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment or use our convenient online appointment request form.
Additional information referenced here and here.
