EMDR, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing are a non-invasive technique which some psychologists use in their practice. The technique has been around since the 1970s but has only recently gained recognition as an effective treatment option. Research has shown that EMDR has a high success rate. However, some EMDR therapy may cause some common EMDR therapy side effects.
This article will outline the common EMDR therapy side effects and discuss ways to avoid them. It should be noted, however, that the treatment is still a widely accepted treatment for a variety of conditions.
One of the commonest and most unpleasant side effects of EMDR treatment is eye redness. Eye redness is often experienced by patients in a very short period after treatment. However, it is important to note that it can also occur several weeks or even months after the session. This is because the EMDR therapist must be able to identify the particular problem areas of the patient’s eye first. This is the reason that many practitioners insist on a series of sessions in order to get to know their patient.
It is important to note, however, that eye redness associated with EMDR treatment does not necessarily indicate a symptom of a more serious problem. In fact, the majority of eye redness that occurs after EMDR treatment is actually a result of the patient not noticing that he or she is red. It is during the treatment that the patient may begin to experience problems such as headaches and feeling dizzy, just to mention but a few.
Although most ophthalmologists can’t directly pinpoint the cause of the eye redness, they do agree that the best way to combat the problem is to make the patient aware of it. To do this, it is recommended that the patient has a constant supply of eye drops ready at all times. The eye drops act as a lubricant so that the patient can keep his eyes dry and clear for better vision and help to reduce the appearance of eye redness.
Eye redness associated with EMDR therapy may also be caused by an allergic reaction to the solution used to numb the eyes during treatment. Most eye drops are not considered to be a true solution because they do not provide a level of relief which is comparable to that of drugs. A solution containing benzodiazepines and caffeine is commonly used to reduce the eye redness.
Another possible cause of the redness is the inability of the patient to relax. This problem can be helped by some relaxation techniques, such as hypnosis.
There are other possible causes of the eye redness that can occur after treatment but it is not always appropriate to list them here. It is suggested, however, that patients who have a history of eye problems be checked by a qualified doctor before beginning EMDR therapy.
If the eye redness is caused by a serious medical condition, such as cancer, the treatment should be stopped immediately. In such cases, EMDR therapy should be stopped and the patient should see a specialist for further treatment.
In addition to red eyes, there are other signs and symptoms that may be present when patients begin to experience symptoms following eye EMDR therapy. These include eye puffiness and dryness. Other signs include blurred vision, headaches, blurred vision or migraine, nausea and difficulty concentrating.
In some cases, the eyes may become infected or irritated. This condition is more likely to happen if the patient had an allergic reaction to a solution used in the treatment process. In addition to these problems, the eyes may also feel irritated and the eyelid droops over time.
There are many reasons why eye redness may occur following eye EMDR treatment. As stated earlier, it is important for the patient to be aware of the potential cause and to see a qualified doctor or ophthalmologist.
