What is Ocular Migraine?

In response to the articles relating to vision and eyes a member has requested information on ocular migraine particularly as it appears that many people have this condition. The following is some information on the subject. For a detailed report please visit the website below:

What is ocular migraine?

Ocular migraine (also known as retinal migraine) is a condition that involves attacks of visual issues that affect one eye and cause migraine headaches. Possible visual issues include:

• Scotoma (aura or blind spot).
• Scintillating scotoma (an aura that moves or “flickers” or looks like a wave that alternates between light and dark).
• They can be temporary.

These visual issues usually subside once the attack is over, and your vision returns to its usual state. In rare cases, visual problems can become permanent. The frequency of ocular migraines varies. But people who experience them usually have them more than once.

Ocular migraine can start as early as 7 years of age. But most people start experiencing them in their 20s, with a peak age of 40.

What’s the difference between ocular migraine and migraine with aura? 

A retinal (ocular) migraine is a type of migraine aura. But it only affects one of your eyes. A migraine with aura affects both of your eyes. The visual symptoms during an ocular migraine usually don’t last as long as symptoms of a migraine with aura.

Another difference is that the headache pain tends to be right behind your affected eye in an ocular migraine. The pain can be more spread out in your head for a migraine with aura.

How common are ocular migraines?

Ocular migraines are rare, but researchers don’t know how rare they are due to a lack of reporting. Migraines, in general, affect about 18% of women and 6.5% of men. Not everyone who has migraines experiences ocular migraines.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of ocular migraine?

The symptoms of ocular migraine (retinal migraine) can vary. But the main symptoms are visual disturbances in only one eye and a migraine headache.

The visual symptoms of ocular migraine may include temporary:

• Blind spots that result in partial or total blindness.
• Zigzagging patterns.
• Shimmering or flickering lights.
• Floating lines.

These symptoms usually last 10 to 20 minutes before your vision gradually returns to its normal state. The attacks affect the same eye in almost all cases of ocular migraine.

The migraine headache can happen before, during or within an hour after the attack. Symptoms of a migraine headache include:

• Moderate to severe head pain that’s pounding, throbbing, pulsing or dull. The pain usually occurs behind your affected eye.
• Sensitivity to light, noise and/or odours.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Feeling very warm (sweating) or cold (chills).
• Pale skin colour (pallor).
• Feeling tired.

How long do ocular migraines last? 

The visual issues of ocular migraines typically last five to 60 minutes. But the headache can last from four to 72 hours if it’s not treated.

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