Ocular migraines are headaches accompanied by visual distortions. The Mayo Clinic indicates that ocular migraines are often confused with much more serious retinal migraines. A critical difference between the two migraines is that the visual abnormalities are often limited to one eye in retinal migraines as opposed to both eyes in ocular migraines. If you experience any disturbance that affects only one eye, contact a medical professional immediately. Most treatments focus on prevention of the migraine or management of pain. Pain management, however, will not stop the visual distortions.
Identify Triggers
The primary treatment for all migraine types, according to the National Migraine Association, is to determine the most common cause. Foods, smells, visual cues and environmental conditions may all instigate an ocular migraine. Visual cues, such as sunlight or flashing lights, may be the most likely cause. Avoiding flashing lights and ensuring that you are always wearing sunglasses when outside may help prevent migraine onset. Establishing a detailed journal of all activity before and after migraine onset can easily identify food or environmental triggers.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Blood vessel dilation commonly restricts blood flow to the visual centers of the brain to produce visual distortions associated with ocular migraines. The National Migraine Association indicates that calcium channel blockers are able to relax blood vessels allowing more efficient uptake of oxygen. Increased oxygen and blood flow are able to aid the flow of blood to heart and improve blood circulation overall.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta-blockers, treat high blood pressure in addition to migraines. The National Migraine Association indicates that beta-blockers influence blood flow and control nerve impulse response. Improving blood flow helps prevent migraines while limiting nerve impulse responses help prevent visual distortions from occurring.
Antidepressants
The National Migraine Association states that "migraines and depression have a definite link---47% of migraineurs experience clinical depression as opposed to just 17% of the general population." Antidepressants aid migraine relieve by controlling neuronal impulses on a chemical level. Many medicines regulate serotonin levels so that changes in blood flow do not illicit the typical response of auras and head pain.
