Posted by: LaserVue LASIK & Cataract Center in Eye Health
Understanding Eye Migraines and Vision Impairment
Recent studies suggest that over 50 million people in the United States suffer from migraines. Some sufferers experience a rare subtype of these serious headaches called Ocular Migraines. An ocular migraine can be recognized by the visual disturbances that occurs with onset.
Common Visual Symptoms of Ocular Migraines
- Blind Spots
- Blurred Vision
- Haloed Vision
- Tunnel Vision
- Temporary Blindness
- Flashes of Light
- Zig Zag Lines
Most Common Types of Ocular Migraines
While the symptoms can vary from patient to patient, sufferers know all too well how debilitating they can be. Our experts at LaserVue Eye Center are here to help you better understand this rare condition and its effects on your vision.
Ocular Migraines With Aura
Ocular migraines are commonly referred to as eye migraines or visual migraines. This is due to the signifying symptoms of visual disturbances called Auras. Only 10% of migraine sufferers get these visual warning signs of an approaching attack, and women are three times more likely to have them than men. The pain of the migraine can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour to begin after the onset of visual symptoms.
Auras can vary in appearance, sometimes leaving patients temporarily blind. People most commonly report loss of peripheral vision, haloes, flares, or flashes of light. We also find extreme sensitivity to light or sound in most cases, sometimes accompanied by nausea and even vomiting.
Retinal Migraine
Similarly, retinal migraine sufferers experience painful headaches and other accompanying problems. Retinal migraines include the same visual impairments as a full ocular migraine, but the aura will be isolated to one eye.
Painless Ocular Migraines
Oddly enough, some people endure sensory changes but never experience the accompanying head pain. While these patients do not fall victim to pain symptoms, these silent migraines are still incredibly disruptive. The changes in vision require many sufferers to stop working or driving until the attack has passed.
Cause of Ocular Migraines
Studies to better understand the causes of ocular migraines are still being conducted. Experts suggest that these visual migraines can be linked to spasms in the back of your eye or retina. This is caused by changes in blood flow to the eye and increased pressure on the blood vessels. Our doctors are LaserVue Eye Center suggest tracking your potential triggers to help manage your attacks.
Common Ocular Migraine Triggers
- Stress
- Lack of Sleep
- Eye Strain
- Food Sensitivity
- Hormonal Changes
- Medication Side Effects
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
Treatment and Prevention of Ocular Migraines
Your doctor at LaserVue Eye Center will work with you to manage and prevent your ocular migraine attacks. Treatments will vary depending on the type of migraine you suffer from and the severity of your vision loss.
There are a number of medications your doctor may suggest to help prevent migraines. Until the cause of the attacks is known, preventative therapies and attack tracking with a medical professional will be required.
Get Treatment for Ocular Migraines at LaserVue Eye Center
Professional diagnosis of ocular migraines is essential to managing these disruptive attacks. With expertise care, our eye doctors at LaserVue Eye Center will evaluate your symptoms and work to create a management plan best suited for you.
Take the first step towards optimal eye health and the relief from visual migraines by visiting LaserVue Eye Center. If you are experiencing visual symptoms of ocular migraines, call one of our three LaserVue Eye Center in the Bay Area, or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
