About Occular Migraines

Ocular migraines may sound painful, but in many cases they are more irritating than excruciating. An ocular (occular) migraine, also called a migraine aura or an optical migraine, presents the visual issues associated with a migraine headache without the pain that usually accompanies these symptoms. While ocular migraines can interfere with daily life, they are generally treated independently of other migraine conditions.

Function

• Ocular migraines occur when your brain responds in an unusual fashion to stimuli. In this instance, stimuli are anything that triggers a neurological response. For example, if you encounter flashing lights or certain chemicals in foods or medications, then your brain might respond with an ocular migraine. Until the impact of the stimulus wears off, you may experience a variety of strange and discomforting visual effects that make work and even sleep impossible.

Significance

• An ocular migraine indicates a neurological disturbance. In short, something is causing your brain to react negatively. An ocular migraine can mimic the symptoms of retinal detachment, so if you experience an ocular migraine always consult a doctor to make sure that your painless "headache" really is the cause of the fireworks behind your eyes.

Effects

• Ocular migraines tend to manifest themselves without the pain usually associated with the word migraine. However, you may see shimmering, metallic zigzags in front of your eyes, have blind spots or experience flashes of light. The blind spots tend to start small, then expand, with your vision clearing in the center as the spot enlarges.

Time Frame

• While conventional migraines may last days, ocular migraines can resolve themselves in the space of a minute or less. Generally, however, the entire episode will take 20 to 30 minutes to complete. You will begin with a small blind spot. As the blind spot expands, you will notice zigzags and stars within the blind spot. Slowly, as the blind spot continues to enlarge, your vision will clear from the center outward.

Prevention/Solution

• Generally, ocular migraines do not require treatment as they are painless and nearly impossible to impact once they have begun. However, if you experience these compromising episodes on a regular basis, you will need to seek treatment to avoid endangering yourself while driving and potentially working. Avoiding foods like chocolate, shellfish, alcohol and caffeine helps some people. Others find that meditation and relaxation help them ease the tension that can trigger these attacks.

Warning

• Just because ocular migraines are not painful does not mean that they are not dangerous. Your vision will be compromised during an ocular migraine, so if you are driving or operating machinery, you must stop at the first signs of visual disturbance. If you experience ocular migraines with regularity, then consider avoiding driving at the times of day when your triggers are most likely to be in evidence.