Ocular migraine is a rare condition characterized by temporary loss of vision in one eye, or even temporary blindness. It is caused by reduced blood flow or vasospasm in the retina or the blood vessels behind the eye.
In ocular migraine, the patient's vision typically returns to normal within an hour. Ocular migraine may occur without pain or alongside (or following) a migraine headache.
Unfortunately, the term "ocular migraine" is often used to describe a more common (and harmless) condition—known as visual migraine or migraine aura—characterized by temporary visual disturbances that typically resolve within 30 minutes.
Unlike ocular migraine, visual migraine typically affects both eyes.
Now, let's take a closer look at ocular migraines and visual migraines:
Ocular Migraine and Visual Migraine Symptoms:
Symptoms of ocular migraine typically include a small blind spot that affects central vision in one eye. This blind spot may enlarge, making it unsafe to drive or read with the affected eye.
In some cases, the entire visual field of one eye may be affected. Typically, this episode lasts less than an hour.
Visual migraine symptoms may vary and can include:
1. Flicker blind spot at or near the center of the visual field
2. A wavy or jagged ring of colored light surrounding the central blind spot
3. Blind spots that slowly migrate across the entire field of vision
Visual migraine symptoms typically affect both eyes and last for 30 minutes or less. A migraine headache may occur shortly after the visual symptoms subside, or there may be no headache at all.
If you experience blind spots or other visual disturbances and are unsure whether it's an ocular migraine or a visual migraine, cover one eye at a time. If the visual disturbance occurs in only one eye, it is likely an ocular migraine. If it affects both eyes, it may be a visual migraine.
However, do not take any risks. If you suddenly notice any blind spots in your vision, immediately call or consult an ophthalmologist to determine whether it is harmless or a potential sign of a more serious condition, such as retinal detachment.
What causes ocular and visual migraines?
It is believed that ocular migraines share the same etiology as migraines.
Migraine has a genetic basis, with some studies indicating that up to 70% of individuals with the condition have a family history of migraine.
According to the World Health Organization, migraines appear to be triggered by the activation of deep brain mechanisms that release inflammatory substances around nerves and blood vessels in the head and brain.
Imaging studies have revealed changes in blood flow to the brain during ocular migraine and migraine aura episodes. However, the underlying reasons for these alterations and the mechanisms leading to the spontaneous resolution of ocular migraine and visual migraine remain unknown.
Common migraine triggers that may cause migraine attacks (including ocular migraine and visual migraine) include certain foods such as aged cheese, caffeinated beverages, red wine, smoked meats, and chocolate.
Food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners, can also trigger migraines in some individuals.
Other potential migraine triggers include cigarette smoke, perfume and other strong odors, glaring lights or flickering lights, lack of sleep, and emotional stress.
Treatment and Prevention
As previously noted, visual disturbances caused by ocular migraines and visual migraines typically resolve within an hour or less without treatment.
If the task you are performing requires clear vision, stop what you are doing and rest until your vision returns to normal when experiencing an ocular migraine or visual migraine.
If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road and wait until your vision has fully recovered.
If you experience visual disturbances with migraine, consult your family doctor or neurologist to evaluate your migraine attacks.
Your doctor can advise you on the latest medications for treating migraines, including those designed to prevent future attacks.
It is best to keep a food and activity diary before the onset of ocular migraines or migraine auras to identify potential triggers that may be avoided in the future.
If your ocular migraines or migraine auras (visual migraines) appear to be stress-related, you can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks without medication by following these simple methods:
Eat healthy meals regularly.
Avoid common migraine triggers
Adequate sleep
Methods to try for stress relief, such as yoga and massage
