1. One-Eyed Monster
If you experience visual distortions in only one eye followed by a severe headache, you may have an ocular migraine. If you suffer visual distortion in both eyes accompanied by a severe headache you may be diagnosed with a migraine with aura. While the symptoms are similar, the treatments and causes are very different. Both conditions are rare and, while not life threatening, can interfere with daily activities such as driving and work. The pain from the headaches is throbbing and disabling. Contact your doctor if you experience visual disturbances since migraine symptoms often overlap with those of a stroke or other serious medical conditions.
2. Pretty Dots and Shades of Gray
If you begin to see floating dots, flashes of light and zig-zag patterns, you have the symptoms of a migraine with aura. Auras last between 5 to 15 minutes and can include vertigo, confusion and a wide range of visual disturbances. Blurry vision, hallucinations and partial vision loss are all reported symptoms of auras. Those who suffer ocular migraines only experience auras in one eye. Symptoms include disruptions in an individual's field of vision or ability to see colors. The visual disturbances are temporary and are often followed by a severe, throbbing migraine headache.
3. In the Eye, Not the Brain
The difference between an ocular migraine and a migraine with aura is the source of the problem. An ocular migraine results from an irregularity in the retinal blood vessels. Close one eye and the symptoms of an ocular migraine disappear. The brain is the source for a migraine with aura and closing your eyes does not make the symptoms go away. Get a definitive diagnosis because the drugs used to treat migraine with aura may result in vision loss for those with ocular migraines.
4. Stop the Symptoms
Find the triggers that set off your migraines to control and treat migraine headaches. The sole treatment for ocular migraines is prevention. Weather changes, caffeine, foods and certain drugs are all known triggers of migraines. Keep a daily diary of all of your activities, foods and sleep patterns. Identify suspected migraine triggers and track symptoms that occur when these triggers are present in your life. Share the information with your doctor and avoid triggers, if at all possible.
5. Living With Ocular Migraines
Ocular migraines may occur regularly or only once and then never reoccur. Elimination of neurological causes for visual disturbances is your first concern. Eliminate brain tumors, blood clots and stroke so you can focus on finding the triggers behind your retinal irregularity. Lower your stress levels and increase sleep to prevent ocular migraines or deal with the symptoms you cannot prevent.
