Facts about Optical Migraine
Whether it is called ocular, retinal or optical, migraine pain that is accompanied by vision issues is both uncomfortable and inconvenient in that it can interfere with normal, daily activities even if for a short time.
What is a migraine?
While everyone experiences a headache every now and then, migraine sufferers are those who have chronic headaches. The pain is dramatically increased with a migraine, and the duration of a single migraine can be hours to even days. In addition to the intense waves of pain, the condition is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some individuals also experience high sensitivity to sounds and lights. They can begin occurring at any stage of life, but frequently begin prior to adulthood. The causes for migraines are not fully known; however, it is believed that some factors that dictate who gets them include genetics and the environment. There are certain triggers for most people that cause the migraine; food, alcohol, hormones, stress, environmental changes, bright lights, intense smells and extreme physical stimulation are the most common.
Ocular migraines
Many people who have chronic headache pain will also experience vision problems. This condition has several names, but is generally referred to as ocular migraine. Oddly enough, however, there are numerous people who experience what are called “auras” or visual disturbances without any migraine headache pain at all.
Common symptoms of an ocular or optical migraine are seeing spots, zigzags, blind spots, having blurred vision or even partial to full vision loss, which may occur in either the direct line of vision or in the individual’s peripheral vision. These symptoms will often occur in only one eye, and may or may not be accompanied by pain or discomfort.
Causes of ocular migraines
Unfortunately, doctors and researchers are still puzzling over the exact causes of the visual anomalies that are presented with ocular migraines. Those who suffer from the classic migraine symptoms along with visual problems are susceptible to the same triggers, but there are some additional causes that are thought to bring on the eye problems. Long hours in front of computers, gaming devices or television, reading for long periods of time and premenstrual or postmenstrual changes are all thought to contribute to the inducement of the optical blights.
Treatment of ocular migraines
If it is suspected that eye strain is the trigger that brings the onset of an optical migraine, reducing the amount of time that is spent on those activities may serve to lessen the occurrences. Those individuals that experience classic migraine headache along with the visual disturbances likely know which triggers create the uncomfortable symptoms. Avoiding foods that set off an attack may be the key; certain foods such as those containing nitrates and MSG are notorious for causing migraines. Red wine, aged cheeses, some meat products and chocolate are included among those food triggers.
Some individuals find that medications are beneficial in controlling the occurrences of migraines. Preventative drugs, such as beta blockers, antidepressants and Divalproex Sodium are just a few that have been successful in either reducing or preventing the number of migraines experienced. Controlling access to the triggers provides a vast improvement in occurrences. When these fail, medications to lessen the severity can be very helpful. Most ocular symptoms disappear within an hour, and may be most easily dealt with through rest and relaxation until they pass.
While an optical migraine is not considered serious, it is important to consult with your physician to confirm that the symptoms you experience are truly associated with migraine. Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, you can begin learning how to manage the condition that can prove to be as inconvenient as it is uncomfortable.