The Cause of an Optical Migraine

Optical migraines are migraines that often have an aura before extreme pain begins in one eye and spreads to one side of the face. Medical science does not yet know the cause of any type of migraine, including an optical migraine (also called an ocular migraine or eye migraine). However, certain events can set off the mysterious process of getting a migraine. In order to manage optical migraine pain, a patient needs to avoid triggers as well as take painkillers.

Identification

• The best way to learn how to identify triggers of optical migraines is to keep a headache journal. It should be noted what was going on right before the optical migraine began and what medications were taken (see Resources).

Types

• There are about as many types of migraine triggers as there are migraine patients. Some triggers include eyestrain from reading in poor light, strobing lights, glaring lights or lack of sleep.

Prevention/Solution

• Wearing sunglasses, reading with adequate light so that you don't need to squint, and adjusting room lights so glare spots do not fall on TV or computer screens can ease eyestrain.

Considerations

• The Mayo Clinic points out that medications for birth control or hormone replacement therapy to reduce menopause symptoms, as well as what stage the menstrual cycle is in for the month, can also trigger migraines (see Resources).

Misconceptions

• Although it is typical for someone about to get an optical migraine to first have an aura (seeing spots, flashes, blurs or other mild visual problems), auras do not always precede every attack.