Eye Movement Issues in Teens with Mental Health Conditions

Medication consultation

I experienced episodes of eye movement disorder while talking to others during my second year of junior high school, but it has become more frequent and severe now, affecting my ability to read, write, and attend classes.
I am currently a second-year student in the vocational program at Taishan High School in New Taipei City, and I have approximately 1000 degrees of myopia.
I was born six months premature and was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder by Dr.
Chien Hsiang-Lin at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital when I was in the third year of junior high.
I am currently being treated at National Taiwan University Hospital by Dr.
Tsai Wen-Che, with a follow-up appointment scheduled for January 22.
The medications I am currently taking include Depakene, Lyrica, and both extended-release and immediate-release versions of Sertraline (25 mg).
During my second year of junior high, I also consulted a pediatric ophthalmologist at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where I underwent glaucoma testing.
The glaucoma specialist indicated that there were no issues.
If this is not a side effect of the medication, which specialty should I consult and what tests should I undergo? Please respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!

Lian Xiumin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/19

Dr. Wang Yazhen reply Psychiatry

Dear Ms.
Lian,
Thank you very much for your inquiry.
Although you have provided as much information as possible, it is still insufficient to determine whether the condition of your eyes is due to medication side effects or other physiological factors.
I recommend that you consult Dr.
Tsai again during your follow-up visit for more effective advice.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2020/01/19

More Info

Understanding eye movement issues in teenagers, especially those with mental health conditions, can be quite complex. Your situation involves several factors, including your history of premature birth, high myopia, and a diagnosis of a mental health condition. These elements can contribute to the eye movement issues you are experiencing, such as involuntary eye movements or "eye rolling," which can significantly impact your daily activities, including studying and attending classes.

Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that eye movement disorders can sometimes be linked to neurological or psychological conditions. In your case, the diagnosis of a mental health disorder, such as the one you mentioned, could potentially influence your eye movements. Medications prescribed for mental health conditions can also have side effects that affect motor control, including eye movements. It’s crucial to discuss these symptoms with your psychiatrist or mental health provider, as they can evaluate whether your current medications might be contributing to your eye movement issues.

If you have already ruled out medication side effects and received a thorough eye examination that showed no significant ocular issues, the next step would be to consider a multidisciplinary approach. You might benefit from consulting with a neurologist, who can assess whether there are any underlying neurological conditions affecting your eye movements. Additionally, a visit to a pediatric ophthalmologist or a neuro-ophthalmologist could provide further insights into any visual processing issues or eye movement disorders that may not have been previously identified.

In terms of managing your symptoms, there are several strategies you can consider. Firstly, ensuring that you have the correct prescription for your glasses is vital, especially given your high degree of myopia. Poorly corrected vision can lead to eye strain, which might exacerbate movement issues. Regular eye exams are essential to keep your prescription up to date.

Moreover, implementing good visual hygiene can help reduce eye strain. This includes taking regular breaks while studying, using proper lighting, and ensuring that your reading materials are at a comfortable distance. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice can help relax your eye muscles and reduce fatigue.

Additionally, if you find that your eye movements are particularly bothersome in social situations or during class, consider discussing this with your teachers or school counselor. They may be able to provide accommodations, such as seating arrangements that minimize distractions or allowing you to take breaks when needed.

Lastly, maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers about your symptoms is crucial. Keeping a journal of when your eye movements occur, their severity, and any associated factors (like stress or fatigue) can provide valuable information for your doctors. This data can help them tailor a treatment plan that addresses both your mental health and any physical symptoms you may be experiencing.

In summary, understanding and managing eye movement issues in the context of mental health requires a comprehensive approach. Collaborating with various healthcare professionals, maintaining good visual habits, and ensuring that your mental health treatment is optimized will be key steps in addressing your concerns. If symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation and support.

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