It occurs completely unexpectedly and lasts about 10 to 30 minutes: the so-called ocular migraine is a visual disorder that manifests itself in severe flickering with flashes of light or jagged patterns in the field of vision. Sometimes it is accompanied by headache and dizziness. FITBOOK provides an overview and explains why you should definitely consult an ophthalmologist after the first occurrence.
For those affected, it is an annoying matter: out of the blue, the eyes start to flicker, jagged or star-shaped patterns appear and thus distort the view. You can neither read properly nor concentrate on anything. Dizziness and headaches can accompany this visual disturbance, which is still noticeable even with your eyes closed. In such a case, those affected are literally paralyzed. These are the symptoms of a so-called eye migraine, also known as ophthalmic migraine.
How does an ocular migraine occur?
In contrast to the usual migraine, this manifestation occurs less frequently and is therefore less well known in the population. Severe headaches can also follow after the eye migraine. It is very important to consult an ophthalmologist immediately after the first occurrence, because the symptoms can also indicate serious eye diseases.
Since ocular migraines are relatively rare, the causes are not fully understood. First and foremost, it is assumed that there is a circulatory disorder in the area of the visual cortex in the brain. This is where visual stimuli are processed. If there is reduced blood flow in this area and the associated weak oxygen supply, these visual defects occur.
symptoms
It is also believed to be a disorder in the nervous system connected to the optic nerve. As a result, visual stimuli cannot be passed on correctly and this then leads to visual disturbances such as
- eye flicker
- Flashes of light or
- jagged star patterns.
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Possible causes of an ocular migraine
The causes of an ocular migraine can be very diverse. The most frequently mentioned include:
- stress
- hunger
- lack of sleep
- alcohol
- medication
- hormone fluctuations
- weather change
- Very bright/glaring light
- magnesium deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- food
In order to find out your personal triggers, it is advisable to keep a kind of diary. In it you should record exactly under what circumstances the eye migraine occurred, what you ate beforehand, whether you were in a very bright environment, whether the weather was unusual that day or whether you were under a lot of stress. Only if you meticulously log the circumstances of the ocular migraine can you track down the triggers and avoid them in the future.
What to do with an ocular migraine?
An ocular migraine usually lasts a few minutes, but in rare cases it can paralyze those affected for up to 30 minutes. The visual disturbance is extremely irritating, as it makes working on the computer almost impossible, for example, and causes a dizzy feeling even when walking. In addition, it is difficult to communicate with people because you only see them blurry.
That’s why the most important thing is to keep calm and look for a darkened place where you can withdraw.
Since an eye migraine is usually harmless, it is enough to close your eyes and relax internally for a few minutes. In most cases, the symptoms go away on their own. A cold, damp cloth on the forehead and eyes can be helpful. A natural lavender scent, for example, has a relaxing effect and could thus alleviate the symptoms of ocular migraines.
When to see a doctor
If ocular migraines occur frequently, you should consult an ophthalmologist and general practitioner and generally check your health. This can be due to a severe magnesium or vitamin B12 deficiency – taking the appropriate preparations could help prevent ocular migraines. The right dose should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
In addition, a stressful everyday life can be the trigger for frequent attacks. Therefore, as with regular migraines, it is important to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. The German Society for Neurology, for example, recommends regular endurance sports to prevent classic migraines. Since sport generally provides the body with better oxygen and promotes blood circulation, it could also help against ocular migraines, but this has not been proven.
Also interesting: 6 symptoms that can indicate a magnesium deficiency
Are ocular migraines dangerous?
In most cases, ocular migraines are considered harmless and go away on their own without leaving any permanent damage. However, it is very uncomfortable for those affected, as it can happen unexpectedly while driving, in a work meeting or in another important activity. So you can’t always withdraw immediately, close your eyes and rest for a quarter of an hour. Above all, if it happens while driving, you should pull over to the side of the road immediately and wait for the symptoms to subside.
Conclusion
It is therefore very important to find out what exactly causes ocular migraines. Especially after the first time you should consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, since the visual disturbances that occur with ophthalmic migraine can also be indications of a dangerous eye disease.
For example, the perception of flashes of light can be a sign of the beginning of a retinal detachment. Double vision can be caused by inflammation in the eye socket, a tumor, or a stroke. And colored rings around light sources can indicate increased eye pressure, which can permanently damage the optic nerve. So don’t hesitate too long if you have vision problems, because only the ophthalmologist can determine whether this is a serious eye disease.