Ophthalmic migraines have similar symptoms as ocular migraines. However, ophthalmic migraines typically occur in young men and visual distortions often occur when pain is the most severe rather than before the pain begins. Occasionally, ophthalmic migraine sufferers will stop experiencing intense pain associated with the headache phase and evolve to experiencing silent ophthalmic migraines.
Auras
Dr. Steven Ofner, a renowned ophthalmologist, describes auras as bright flashing lights that create "zig-zag type lines in the central or peripheral vision." These symptoms typically last only a few minutes to an hour, and they normally do not interfere with everyday life.
Blindness
Temporary blindness is a possible symptom of ophthalmic migraines. In this case, you should seek the advice of a neurologist or ophthalmologist to ensure that blindness is only due to vascular spasms and not a more serious condition, such as retinal migraines. The Mayo Clinic indicates that if blindness occurs in only one eye, this may be a sign that you are experiencing retinal migraines that require medical treatment.
Headaches
Ophthalmic migraines do not require a headache; however, they often coincide. Dr. Ofner describes headaches as typically severe and debilitating when they occur and notes that visual distortions usually accompany the most intense point of pain. Secluding yourself in a dark room to remove any visual stimuli may relieve pain symptoms and stop the migraine altogether.
Sensitivity to Light
Since ophthalmic migraines uniquely target the optic nerve, extreme sensitivity to light is a common symptom. All migraines typically are associated with some degree of light sensitivity although ophthalmic migraines are uniquely sensitive to bright lights, especially sunlight.
