eye care support
Ocular Migraines
Ocular migraines are temporary visual disturbances that can affect one or both eyes.
They are usually painless, can be alarming when they occur, but typically resolve on their own within 20–30 minutes. If a visual disturbance is followed by a throbbing, one-sided headache, this is known as a migraine with aura. A migraine that occurs without a preceding visual change is called a migraine without aura.
Migraine auras are most often visual, but some people may also experience temporary changes in hearing, speech, smell, or sensation.
People describe a range of visual symptoms, such as:
A small blind spot that gradually enlarges
Flickering, flashing or shimmering lights
A sensation like looking through cracked glass
Distortion that spreads across the visual field
These symptoms usually last a few minutes but can continue for up to half an hour.
Ocular Migraines FAQs
Ocular migraines are believed to share the same underlying mechanisms as migraine headaches. Research suggests:
- Migraines often run in families
- They may involve activation of pathways in the brain that release inflammatory substances
- Temporary changes in blood flow to the brain occur during visual auras
The exact cause of these changes is still not fully understood. Migraines can begin in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. They are most common in people in their 30s and 40s, and women are affected more often than men.
Triggers vary from person to person, but common ones include:
- Aged cheeses
- Caffeinated drinks
- Red wine
- Chocolate
- Smoked meats
- Food additives such as MSG
- Artificial sweeteners
- Cigarette smoke
- Strong perfumes or odours
- Flickering or glaring lights
- Lack of sleep
- Emotional stressKeeping a record of diet, activities and symptoms can help identify patterns.
Most ocular migraines resolve without treatment. If one occurs while you are driving or doing tasks that require clear vision, it’s safest to stop and wait until your vision returns to normal.
If you experience:
- Recurrent visual disturbances
- Visual symptoms followed by headache
- A desire to reduce the frequency of migraine episodes
It may be helpful to speak with a general practitioner for further assessment and advice. A comprehensive eye examination is also recommended to rule out other causes of visual symptoms, including conditions that require urgent attention.
Around 60% of people with migraines also experience a prodrome—subtle changes that occur hours, days or even weeks before an attack.
These may include mood changes, food cravings or general fatigue.
