Vision Health Library
Ocular Migraines: Visual Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment
Ocular migraines can cause temporary visual disturbances such as flashes of light, stars, zigzag patterns or blind spots. These symptoms may occur before, during or after a migraine headache and can temporarily interfere with reading, driving, writing and other everyday activities.
The term ocular migraine is often used to describe migraines that involve visual symptoms. In some cases, these visual disturbances occur as part of a migraine aura. In others, they may occur without significant head pain.
What Does an Ocular Migraine Look Like?
Visual symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people notice a small area of distorted or missing vision that gradually expands, while others see bright flashes, sparkling lights or zigzag patterns.
Common visual symptoms can include:
- Blind spots or partial loss of vision
- Flashes of light
- Bright spots or stars
- Zigzag or shimmering patterns
- Temporary visual distortion
Migraine Aura
A migraine aura is a group of temporary neurological symptoms that can occur before or during a migraine.
According to your original article, an aura may begin several minutes before a headache and can include more than just visual changes.
- Blind spots or partial vision loss
- Flashes, spots or zigzag patterns
- Changes in hearing or smell
- Tingling or numbness
- Mental fog
- Difficulty finding words or speaking
Visual symptoms may begin in a small area of the field of vision and gradually spread over several minutes.
Can Ocular Migraines Occur Without a Headache?
Yes. Some people experience visual migraine symptoms without significant head pain.
In other cases, the visual disturbance appears before the headache begins, during the headache or shortly afterward.
Because visual symptoms can have several different causes, new or unusual episodes should not automatically be assumed to be migraine-related.
How Long Do Visual Symptoms Last?
The visual disturbances associated with ocular migraines are generally temporary.
Your original article notes that many episodes resolve within approximately 30 minutes, although the duration can vary from one person to another.
Vision should return to normal after the episode. Persistent visual loss requires medical evaluation.
What Causes Ocular Migraines?
The exact cause of ocular migraines is not completely understood.
Family history appears to play a role, and people with relatives who experience migraines may have a greater likelihood of developing them.
Different individuals may also have particular environmental, dietary or lifestyle triggers that contribute to migraine episodes.
Common Migraine Triggers
Triggers can vary considerably from one person to another.
Some possible triggers described in your original article include:
- Stress
- Bright lights
- Loud sounds
- Strong smells
- Sudden changes in weather
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Certain foods or food additives
Keeping a Migraine Journal
Because migraine triggers differ from person to person, keeping a record of your episodes may help identify patterns.
You may want to note what you ate, how much sleep you had, your stress level, weather conditions and what you were doing before symptoms began.
Over time, this information may reveal recurring circumstances that are associated with your migraines.
What to Do During an Ocular Migraine
Visual disturbances can make it difficult to safely perform tasks that require clear vision and concentration.
Your original article recommends resting until the visual symptoms have passed.
Helpful measures may include:
- Resting in a quiet, dark room when possible
- Avoiding driving until vision has completely returned to normal
- Reducing exposure to bright lights
- Applying a cool or damp cloth to the forehead
- Relaxing until the visual disturbance and headache subside
Migraine Medication
People who experience a recognizable aura may sometimes be able to use it as an early warning that a migraine is developing.
When migraine medication has been prescribed, taking it according to the prescribing doctor's instructions at the beginning of an episode may help reduce the severity of the headache.
People who experience frequent or chronic migraines may require additional evaluation and preventive treatment.
Why New Visual Symptoms Should Be Checked
Not every flash, blind spot or visual disturbance is caused by a migraine.
Some symptoms that resemble an ocular migraine can also occur with retinal problems or other eye conditions.
A sudden increase in floaters or flashing lights can be associated with a retinal tear or other retinal problem and should be evaluated promptly.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Seek an eye examination if visual symptoms are new, unusual, becoming more frequent or lasting longer than your typical episodes.
You should also seek prompt care for sudden visual loss, a sudden increase in flashes or floaters or other significant changes in vision.
At Choice Vision Care & Wellness in Wellington, Florida, Dr. Salvatore DeCanio can evaluate unusual visual symptoms and help determine whether they appear related to migraine or whether another eye condition needs to be ruled out.
Reducing Migraine Triggers
Healthy lifestyle habits may help some people reduce the frequency of migraine episodes.
Your original article emphasizes eating nutritious foods, getting adequate rest and managing stress as part of an overall approach to migraine prevention.