In an earlier thread, I mentioned my need for good optical help in Detroit. I was finding it difficult to even concentrate to research on the board...but something seems to have helped immensely.
Once upon a time I think I did have glasses with a "strap" bridge. And another pair I had a long time had larger nosepads, which may have helped to distribute the weight more evenly. But my last couple pairs of frames, I don't know if a strap bridge would look right on, they are stylish rectangular half-rimless.
I have been absolutely traumatized by a pulling sensation in my eyes, a difficulty moving them quickly, for example, when scanning text....really unable to concentrate easily... and felt it may be because my measurements were off (narrow PD, OC's too low, too much cyl in one lens). However, a simple tilt of the head would line up the OC's, when reading. I felt it was maybe a glare issue, since I didn't apply AR (wary about spending money at this unhelpful optical...paid for exam but got glasses free because my parents and sister are customers). I was getting headaches and at first I thought it was because they were annoying me by moving constantly (got really oily skin). So I went to another optical and had them put silicone pads on (my optical wouldn't even do this, they said there was nothing to do about them slipping...what BS...i dread even facing them to have these lenses remade).
My lenses are CR39 but not that large, so not that heavy really. There are no marks on my nose from pressure. But I sensed something wasn't right. So, being a not-so-crafty yet resourceful person, today I tried stuffing a cotton ball between the pads, so that the weight is carried on top of the bridge, instead of on the sides. Now, as a result, my OC's have been lifted to a point of better clarity. But my eyes also feel so much freer now. I literally feel 800% better. Why do they even sell frames with pads on the sides? Am I in a minority of people who experience discomfort there?
I searched sci.med.vision and found that the ethmoid sinuses are located on the sides of the nose, where nosepads are typically placed. This region also connects to the optic nerve. Hence, this discomfort would directly send stimulus to the oculomotor system, causing it to lock up, just as any muscles would tense up from pain. Pressure in this sinus region was also causing me problems as a singer. Proper singing technique involves concentrating the voice in a manner that your sinuses resonate in this facial region. While wearing glasses I would always find that I didn't sound right. Any weight that dampens vibration is going to be detrimental to the sound and the feeling, which is necessary feedback to adjust and optimize one's performance.
So now you know something particular to singers, maybe other types of performers...at least ones who use proper technique.
But anyone is still going to have the discomfort. Why do they make frames this way? It's almost certain the pads were causing my eyestrain.
Besides a strap bridge, are there any other modifications to this type of frame that would take the pressure off my sinuses? (I feel silly with this cotton ball stuffed in between the pads).
And again, if someone can direct me to good people in the metro Detroit area, I'd appreciate it greatly. These struggles have been severely interfering with my quality of life.
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