Understanding Ocular Migraines: A Comprehensive Guide

Ocular migraines, a relatively common but often misunderstood condition, can cause distress and confusion among those experiencing them. In most cases, an ocular migraine is harmless and resolves on its own. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms, causes, triggers, and available treatments for an ocular migraine.

What are Ocular Migraines?

Ocular migraines, also known as retinal migraines or visual migraines, are a specific type of migraine that primarily affects vision. Unlike typical migraines, which involve severe headaches, ocular migraines primarily manifest as visual disturbances. These disturbances may include zigzag lines, flashing lights, blind spots, or temporary loss of vision in one eye. They typically last 5-30 minutes and often resolve spontaneously.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of an ocular migraine is visual disturbance. However, it's important to note that these visual disturbances can be unsettling, causing anxiety or fear in affected individuals. 

Some common symptoms include:

  1. Scintillating scotoma or the perception of flashing lights or zigzag lines that gradually expand and move across the field of vision.

  2. Temporary blind spots, also known as scotomas, that occur in the central or peripheral vision of one eye.

  3. In rare cases, individuals may experience complete loss of vision in one eye for a short duration, usually less than an hour.

  4. While ocular migraines are primarily visual in nature, some individuals may experience mild headaches after the visual disturbances subside. 

Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of ocular migraines is not yet fully understood. However, researchers believe that they may be related to spasms in the blood vessels that supply the eye or abnormal electrical activity in the visual cortex of the brain. 

Some common triggers for ocular migraines include:

  1. Emotional or physical stress.

  2. Fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger ocular migraines.

  3. Foods like aged cheese, chocolate, and foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG) have been linked to migraines in some people.

  4. Bright lights, strong odors, or changes in weather conditions can act as triggers.

  5. Irregular sleep patterns or lack of sleep can make individuals more prone to migraines.

Treatment and Management

While ocular migraines can be distressing, the good news is that they are typically harmless and self-resolving. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an eye doctor, to rule out any underlying conditions and establish an appropriate management plan. Scintillating scotomas are often confused for the flashes associated with a retinal detachment. Scintillating scotomas have more of a shimmery appearance and retinal tears/detachments have a lightning bolt appearance. When the symptoms last longer than 1 hour you need to be seen by an eye care professional to rule out retinal tears or detachments. Treatment options may include identifying and avoiding triggers, such as stress or specific foods, can significantly reduce the frequency of ocular migraines. In some cases, your eye doctor may prescribe medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, to manage the frequency and severity of migraines. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be recommended to alleviate any accompanying headache. Practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can help reduce the occurrence of migraines.

By understanding the symptoms, causes, triggers, and available treatments for ocular migraines, those affected can better manage and navigate through these episodes.

 

Sources: 

https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/ocular-migraine-basics 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24961-ocular-migraine