Interactive Video Player

Video Education Library

bcm_videoplayer_banner
More News

Blog

Migraine

So, you are going about your daily business when suddenly something weird starts happening with your vision.  You might see what appears as heatwaves, broken glass, or kaleidoscope-like images at the edges of your vision.  Maybe you notice grey or blacked-out areas of your vision.  Whatever it is, you recognize that it is not normal! 

What you may have been experiencing is known as either an ocular migraine or a visual migraine.  The main difference between the two is that an ocular migraine affects one eye, while a visual migraine affects both eyes.  An ocular migraine is the result of a vascular spasm either behind or in the retinal vessels of the eye, therefore, ocular migraine is sometimes referred to as a retinal migraine.  Visual migraines are caused by a vascular spasm within the visual cortex.  The visual cortex is located in the back of the brain, within the occipital lobe.  To determine which you are experiencing, simply cover an eye.  If the visual disturbance only affects one eye, you are having an ocular migraine.  If it affects both eyes, you are having a visual migraine.  A headache may follow both ocular and visual migraines. 

The symptoms of ocular, versus visual migraine, also differ.  A general term for the symptoms is "aura," and is sometimes referred to as "migraine aura."   An ocular migraine usually starts with a small blind spot affecting the central vision in one eye.  The blind spot then gets larger, making it difficult or impossible to drive or read with the affected eye.  In some cases, the blind spot may affect the entire field of vision making the eye temporarily blind.  In most cases, the blind spot in the affected eye resolves within an hour.

Visual migraines may have a varied presentation.  It may start with a small blind spot that migrates across the field of vision.  Others may experience zigzag, colored lights around the edges of your vision (like a kaleidoscope), or what appears to be like looking through broken glass. Visual migraines typically last less than thirty minutes and affect both eyes.

Triggers for ocular and visual migraines include stress, smoking, exercise, bending over, high altitude, dehydration, low blood sugar, excessive heat, food sensitivities, strong odors, and sudden exposure to bright or flickering lights.  To identify which triggers affect you, keep a record of your diet, emotions, and activities just before experiencing a migraine aura.

If you experience either an ocular or visual migraine, the best treatment is to simply stop what you are doing and relax.  This is especially true if you are driving or operating machinery that could cause an injury.  If you have a headache after the aura, see your primary physician.  There are medications available for migraine pain and to prevent future occurrences.

If you are experiencing a new onset of an ocular or visual migraine, you should also see your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam that includes pupil dilation. Certain ocular conditions such as retinal detachment, retinal vascular occlusion, or optic nerve disease may mimic the symptoms of migraine aura.

Thanks for reading!

—Dr. Morgan      

Ocular allergies are among the most common eye conditions to hit people of all ages.

Though typically worse in the seasons of Spring and Summer, some people suffer with allergies all year. This is especially true for people who have allergies to pet dander, mold, dust mites, and other common allergens that tend to linger throughout the year.

The hallmark sign of ocular allergies is itching.

While itching can be a symptom of other eye conditions, the likelihood that there is at least some allergy component to the condition is quite high. This seems to be particularly true when the itching occurs mainly in the inner corner of the eyes. This signals that the condition is allergy-related, whereas itching along the eyelid margin suggests other conditions.

Allergy itching is usually accompanied by redness, tearing, and string-like mucus discharge from the eye. When accompanied by rhinitis, sinusitis, and sneezing, people can truly suffer from their allergies - especially as it relates to the eye.

The good news is there are numerous avenues for relief from this annoying condition.

There are many over-the-counter antihistamine drops. Talk to your eye doctor about which ones they recommend.

In particularly severe cases, prescription antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer combination drops, or even topical steroids, can be used. In addition, cold compresses can be a great therapy in combination with the drops.

 

Article contributed by Dr. Jonathan Gerard

This blog provides general information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician. The content of this blog cannot be reproduced or duplicated without the express written consent of Eye IQ.

  1. Welcome to Our Redesigned Site