Ocular migraine
What is ocular migraine?
Symptoms of ocular migraine
Consequences of ocular migraine
Risk factors for ocular migraine
Triggers of ocular migraine
Pain
What is ocular migraine?
An ocular migraine is a migraine that causes a disturbance to your vision. It may or may not occur with the accompanying pain of a classic migraine (normal) migraine.
An ocular migraine is also known as a migraine with aura or scintillating scotoma. 20% of people who have regular, head-pain classic migraines also report having visual or aural symptoms.
Ocular migraines are probably the result of migraine activity in the visual cortex of the brain.
Ocular migraines may not need treatment and usually resolve on their own. However you should consult your doctor if you have them frequently or they are increasing in frequency, to ensure that there is no serious underlying condition.
If you experience significant vision loss, vision loss in one eye, or have trouble thinking, get urgent medical attention.
An ocular migraine should not be confused with a retinal migraine. A retinal migraine is rare and only affects one eye. Loss of vision in one eye may be a symptom of a more serious condition such as a retinal detachment. If you have vision loss or other symptoms in only one eye, seek medical attention.
Symptoms of ocular migraine
Symptoms typically last less than 30 minutes. Rest and avoid the triggers listed below such as bright lights until the vision disturbances are gone.
- Ocular migraines occur in both eyes, or at least not obviously in only one eye. Symptoms may be visible when the eyes are closed.
- Flashing or shimmering lights in the vision.
- Zigzag lines, a boiling or rolling area, or stars.
- Psychedelic images or something like looking in a kaleidoscope.
- An area of vision looks like boiling water or cracked glass.
- Blind spots in the field of vision.
Consequences of ocular migraine
Ocular migraines are not considered a serious condition.
They can interfere with your ability to read, drive and safely perform your work.
Risk factors for ocular migraine
- There is a genetic link to migraines, with a family history of migraines or ocular migraines increasing the risk.
- Estrogen and other hormones. Some women suffer increased migraines with hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Hormone levels are also affected by oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy.
Triggers of ocular migraine
Triggers vary with the individual person, and often work in combination.
Keep a diary to try to identify your ocular migraine triggers. Note the details of your diet, sleep quality, exercise, stress level, menstruation and other factors in the days prior to each migraine episode.
- Stress and anxiety, and sometimes during relaxation after a period of stress.
- Bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells.
- Citric acid. It is added to many foods and drinks to provide flavour and tang, and as a preservative.
- Caffeine in excess or withdrawal from caffeine.
- Foods containing nitrates such as salami, hot dogs, luncheon meats.
- Foods containing tyramine such as aged cheese, hard sausage, smoked fish, soy products and fava beans.
- Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG). Often used in processed and fast foods.
- Artificial sweeteners.
- Alcohol, especially red wine.
- Changes in the weather.
Pain
If you experience pain while suffering an ocular migraine, see classic migraines.
If you use any remedies from Grow Youthful, please come back next week (or whenever you have an outcome) and let us know about your experience. Please leave a comment as many people are interested.
See details of remedies recommended by Grow Youthful visitors, and their experience with them.
- Sit or lie down in a quiet, dark room.
- Firmly massage your scalp or rub your temples.
- Put a damp towel on your forehead.