Suddenly unable to focus with headache and slight nausea

[findingnemo]

several months ago, I started using latisse.  I liked the way my eyelashes looked, but around the 4th month, i noticed my eyes started feeling funny, so i stopped using the lattisse altogether.  it's been a couple months since I stopped using latisse, but i noticed about 3 weeks ago that I have persistent problems focusing, and I feel slight headache and nausea.  last saturday, I went to an optometrist and was told my prescription was too strong (-4.75 r, -4.5 left originally).  she told me I should be a -4.25 r and l, and that everything else about my eyes looked totally healthy and normal.  she said that with the lower prescription, i should find that my eyes feel better. well,  it's been almost a week since i was given the lower prescription, and i'm having the same problems- trouble focusing (like my eyes are constantly tired), and i have a low grade headache and nausea.  I'm not sure what I should do next?  Should I make an appointment with a neuro-opthalmologist, or should I wait longer with the new prescription?  Even without my contact lenses, my eyes are having problem focusing.   Anybody know what this might be?  I was looking at symptoms of accommodative spasms and thought it might be that, but wouldn't my optometrist have given me drops or something for that?  Please help!  

[findingnemo]

Much thanks.  Your response put me at ease.  I'll make an appt w/ an opthalmologist first thing Monday.   I'm hoping it's nothing too serious and that it's just your run of the mill aging issues.  I'm able to see up close just fine- it's the inability to focus (at all distances) that comes and goes every few minutes all day long (along with the persistent low-grade nausea and headache) that have been so alarming.   I keep hoping I'll wake up one morning and the symptoms will have disappeared, but 3 weeks and counting, and no such luck so far.  Anyway, will keep this board posted.  Thanks again!

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Yes, accommodative spasm or dry eyes or some type of keratitis or cataract or retinal problems could all be possible explanations.  Go ahead and see a general ophthalmologist for starters and carefully explain your symptoms and bring your glasses and medical records with you.  A neuro-ophthalmologist is probably not needed yet, just a good, thorough, second opinion.  I see no relation to the Latisse, other than being a middle aged female, who is on the computer a lot, you fit the profile for the symptoms you are reporting.

MJK  MD