What’s Causing My Ocular Migraine
An ocular migraine, AKA a retinal migraine, is a brief eye condition. It causes temporary visual disturbances and usually affects only one eye. This can be alarming, however, the condition is usually not serious, with the symptoms usually going away of their own accord in about 30 minutes.
What are the symptoms of ocular migraine?
There are several symptoms associated with ocular migraine and it is worth knowing what they are. They include:
• Temporary loss of vision in just one eye – usually the same eye every time.
• Blurred vision in just one eye
• Flashing lights, blind spots, or squiggly patterns across the field of vision
• Mosaic-like patterns of blind spots – these are scotomas – in the field of vision
• A headache that occurs during or after the vision loss is experienced
• A loss of peripheral vision
Any loss of vision that a person might experience will usually only last between 10 and 20 minutes before sight begins to return gradually.
Migraine aura
Ocular migraines are not the same as a migraine with aura, which is much more common. A migraine with aura will affect both eyes rather than just one and may feature flashing lights and blind spots. It may also present some visual disturbances before the common symptoms of an ocular migraine appear.
Ocular migraine causes
An ocular migraine occurs when there is restricted blood flow to the eye. This happens as a result of a sudden narrowing of the blood vessels. Once these relax, blood flow returns to normal and symptoms subside. There is normally no lasting eye damage.
Common causes include:
• Stress
• High blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Low blood sugar
• Excessive heat
• Exercise
• Bending over
• Smoking
• Some forms of contraceptives
Ocular migraines are more common in women, generally over the age of 40, and people with a family history of headaches or migraines. Where possible, it is a good idea to avoid those triggers to prevent ocular migraines from occurring. Anyone who suffers from ocular migraines is encouraged to keep notes so they can see what might have caused them and see a pattern.
Diagnosing ocular migraines
An eye test can be used to diagnose ocular migraines, as well as a series of questions regarding the symptoms. This can help to rule out other conditions as well. Once a diagnosis is made, it’s easier to choose treatment.
Headaches behind the eye or ocular migraines – which do I have?
Ocular migraines can be confused with a general headache behind the eyes. The latter are usually a symptom of a more traditional headache-type migraine, which is more likely to be the result of bright light or staring at a screen for too long. Those over the age of 40 are more likely to suffer with headaches behind the eye from presbyopia, a condition that occurs as the eyes age and people strain and squint to see clearly.
If you have any concerns about your eyes, it is always important to get them checked by an optician.
Ocular migraine treatments
Because the symptoms are often temporary, there is generally no need for treatment. It is a good idea to rest your eyes and wait for symptoms to pass. If you still have a headache, painkillers can be a good idea.
Keep a note of the frequency of episodes and triggers. Because ocular migraine symptoms are similar to those in a stroke-type event, it can also be a good idea to speak to your GP.
If you have any concerns regarding your eye health or are struggling with vision issues it is important to seek advice from a qualified optician. Looking after your eye health is important, and your optician will likely be the best qualified to point you in the right direction.
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