Ocular migraines

Question:

I frequently have migraine headaches, and a friend suggested that they might be ocular migraines. What are ocular migraines?

Answer:

Ocular migraines, which are also known as ophthalmic migraines, are very common. The typical ocular migraine has visual symptoms and may or may not be followed by a headache. If a headache does follow the visual symptoms, it is called a migraine headache.

The exact cause of ocular migraines is unknown. Some researchers have suggested that vascular spasms that cause classic migraines also cause ocular migraines; spasms may affect the blood supply to the vision center in the brain. Food additives, hormonal fluctuations, stress and certain odors may also trigger these migraines. Ocular migraines are common in young people who also experience classic migraines. In addition, as people age they may begin to experience ocular migraines without headaches.

During an ocular migraine, images may appear to be gray or light may appear to be pale pastel colors. Ocular migraines can produce a variety of visual disturbances including flashing lights, jagged lines, blind spots, “heat waves”, and sparkling lights. The visual disturbance either begins in the peripheral vision and moves centrally or begins in the central vision and moves out peripherally. These visual disturbances can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour and usually only affect one eye. Typically there are no serious complications caused by ocular migraines, and treatment is not necessary unless accompanied by a classic migraine. The only commonly reported after-effect of ocular migraines is fatigue.

A comprehensive eye exam is recommended to rule out any eye disease as the cause of ocular migraine symptoms.

Scott L. Greder, O.D.

Midwest Eye Care, P.C.

4353 Dodge Street

Omaha, NE 68131

402-552-2020