Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭

On day 1 after 5 house I got a headache and pain behind one eye. Apparently this is normal starting out. Problem is, I started having auras every 2 or 3 minutes. Smells like burning sweet baked goods. I took them out and about an hour later there auras were slowing down. Day 2 I wore them about 4 hours. I got the headache and eye pain in the other eye. Also normal. I was nervous so I took them out. I had a few auras that smelled like burning dust on a light bulb, not unusual for me to have a few… read more

5 days ago (edited)
 · 
Reactions
MyEpilepsyTeam

Has anyone else with epilepsy tried monovision contacts and experienced increased auras as a result?

It sounds like the visual adjustment from monovision contacts may be triggering auras for you. Auras involving unusual smells — like burning baked goods or burning dust — are a recognized type of seizure aura. The fact that Show Full Answer

Has anyone else with epilepsy tried monovision contacts and experienced increased auras as a result?

It sounds like the visual adjustment from monovision contacts may be triggering auras for you. Auras involving unusual smells — like burning baked goods or burning dust — are a recognized type of seizure aura. The fact that your auras slowed down after removing the contacts is a significant clue worth paying attention to.

Here's what's likely happening:

- Monovision contacts create an adjustment period where your brain works harder to process two different focal points
- This visual stress could be acting as a seizure trigger for you
- Smell-based auras (called olfactory auras) are real focal aware seizures, not just warnings This is really a conversation to have with your neurologist before continuing with the contacts. They can help weigh the vision benefits against the seizure risk and possibly adjust your seizure action plan.

Some MyEpilepsyTeam members have shared their own aura strategies:

- "When I feel the auras, I will find a safe place no matter where that is"
- "Stop what I'm doing immediately, place my phone near me, lay down"

Wanting clear vision is completely understandable — but keeping your neurologist in the loop here is really important before day 3! 👓

5 days ago

Related Questions

View All
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Diego, CA

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK