What is an ocular migraine?
An ocular migraine is a temporary problem with your vision that is
usually, but not always, painless. You may lose some of your vision
for a few minutes. You may see bright spots or lines that float
slowly across your field of vision. Ocular migraines are almost
always harmless.
How does it occur?
Usually an ocular migraine is not a problem with your eyes. It is
probably caused by temporary changes in blood vessels in your
brain. These changes may be caused by:
- reactions to certain chemicals or foods
- emotional or physical stress
If others in your family have ocular migraines, you may be more
likely to have them also.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of ocular migraines vary from person to person, and
may include:
- seeing zigzagging lines or patterns, especially at the outer
edges of your vision
- seeing shimmering or colored lights
- loss of vision in one spot or off to one side
With typical migraine headaches, but uncommonly with ocular
migraines, you can have severe pain following these symptoms. You
may also have nausea or vomiting.
How is it treated?
Ocular migraines usually require no treatment, other than rest
until the symptoms pass.
Your healthcare provider may want to make sure that you have an
ocular migraine and not a more serious blood flow problem.
See your healthcare provider if you have severe pain after the
vision problems. This is probably a migraine headache and it can be
treated.
How long do the effects last?
The vision problems usually go away in 30 minutes or less.
How can I prevent ocular migraines?
Ocular migraines cannot be prevented.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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