Doctors refer to eye migraines by different names, such as "ocular migraines" or "visual migraines." No matter what term doctors use for this condition, the sudden vision changes cause fear in first-time sufferers. Eye migraines usually appear suddenly and result from harmless changes in the blood vessels of the brain. Understanding the symptoms and knowing when to see an eye doctor helps alleviate concerns.
Symptoms
Eye migraines usually appear without advance notice. An area in the side vision of each eye will have black, white or multi-colored spots, and, for some people, the spots will turn to flashing lights. The spots and flashing lights typically last only a few minutes before disappearing. For migraine sufferers, an eye migraine frequently occurs prior to the onset of a full migraine headache, though many people do not experience any pain with an eye migraine.
Diagnosis
People who experience these symptoms but have not discussed the vision changes with an eye doctor should have an eye exam. The doctor will do a complete exam, including pupil dilation, to ensure eye health. If the eye appears healthy and the symptoms described sound like that of typical eye migraines, such as if symptoms occurred in both eyes and the duration, the doctor may diagnose the episode as an eye migraine.
Treatment
Doctors do not have a treatment for eye migraines, but most recommend using an over-the-counter pain reliever for associated pain. Many people find that sitting down and closing their eyes helps relieve nausea or irritation from the vision changes.
Triggers
Migraine headaches usually have triggers, a response to a certain outside source, and eye migraines have similar triggers. Foods thought to trigger eye migraines and headaches include chocolate, caffeine and some dairy products. Changes in hormone levels, sleep patterns or stress may also increase the likelihood of a migraine. People who suffer from frequent eye migraines or migraine headaches should keep a food and activity diary to determine possible triggers.
Warnings
Similar symptoms that only occur in one eye may be a sign of a retinal migraine, a rare condition that may result in vision loss. During an episode of an apparent eye migraine, sufferers should cover one eye at a time, in an effort to determine if symptoms appear in both eyes. Anyone driving when an eye migraine appears should pull over in a safe location until vision returns to normal.
