What is ocular migraine?

Ocular migraine (retinal migraine) is a type of migraine that causes temporary vision loss in one eye. The term ocular migraine can also be used to describe migraine with aura. Migraine aura causes visual disturbances such as flashing lights and zigzags.

Ocular migraine is a term that refers to types of migraine that affect your vision. There are two subtypes that fall into this category: retinal migraine and migraine with aura.

Migraine with aura is more common, but both subtypes can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Here's what you need to know about ocular migraine, including its different causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Types of ocular migraine

The two types of ocular migraine that make up this umbrella term are retinal migraine and migraine with aura. You may hear the term “ocular migraine,” but it’s important to know that this is not a modern medical term or diagnosis.

People who have migraines 25% to 30%It is believed that she experienced an aura.

While precise statistics for retinal migraine are unknown, it is estimated that individuals with this subtype... %29It is thought that she has a classic history of migraine.

Both types of ocular migraine can cause visual disturbances, but there are a few important differences:

Retinal migraine

A refers to visual disturbances affecting the retina in migraine. a eye Trusted Source It simply develops as a result of impaired blood flow to the retina, located at the back of your eye.

In this type of migraine, you may experience vision loss in one eye for 10 to 20 minutes, or up to an hour at a time. This can occur during a migraine headache or before a migraine headache develops.

Migraine with aura

Migraine with auraAura describes visual disturbances that can occur with or without a headache. Aura, characterized by visual changes appearing 10 to 60 minutes before a migraine attack, can also be a harbinger of an impending headache.

During a migraine attack with aura, you may experience visual disturbances in one or both eyes. You may also experience difficulty speaking or muscle weakness when the aura occurs. Although usually temporary, some people may experience migraine with aura for longer than an hour.

Migraine with aura is one of the most common types of migraine. Another common type is known as migraine without aura, which can cause sudden migraine headaches accompanied by blurred vision, fatigue, and sensitivity to sound and light.

Symptoms of ocular migraine

Distinguishing between retinal migraine and migraine with aura symptoms can be difficult.

A key difference with retinal migraine is that it can cause temporary vision loss or flashing lights in one eye. Retinal migraine can also cause zigzag lines or colored spots in your vision.

Symptoms of migraine aura typically involve discomfort rather than vision loss, and can affect both eyes. You may see:

• blind spots
• zig-zag lines
• stars or patterns
• flashes of light

What causes ocular migraine?

Retinal migraine is caused by reduced blood flow or spasms in blood vessels in the area behind your eye.

Migraine with aura is thought to be caused by abnormal electrical activity in your brain. While the exact causes are unknown, researchers believe neuronal dysfunction may contribute.

Ocular migraine is also more common in the following groups:

• those with a personal or family history of migraine
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• 30 to 39 years old adults

Retinal migraine can also develop in people with the following conditions: atherosclerosis, sickle cell disease, and LUPUS.

Diagnosis of ocular migraine

Ocular migraine can be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. Their diagnosis may include a combination of the following:

• Physical examination
• Assessment of your personal and family health history, particularly regarding migraine.
• Eye examination with dilation
• To rule out other causes of your symptoms, you may need blood tests or imaging tests, for example. Stroke

Migraine treatment and prevention

How you manage your migraine attacks will depend on several factors, including the type, frequency, and severity of your attacks.

Many people with ocular migraines allow the attacks to pass on their own and do not treat them with any medication. If you are experiencing an ocular migraine attack, the best thing to do might be to rest until the attack passes.

Treatment for migraine with aura may include the use of rescue medications, which help stop the migraine at its onset. It may also include the use of preventive medications, which can help reduce the frequency of your migraine headaches.

Identifying your migraine triggers can also help prevent ocular migraine and migraine with aura. Track your migraine attacks and make some notes about potential triggers. This can help you identify patterns over time.

Migraine triggers

These triggers of migraine Migraine with aura and retinal migraine are similar to other types of migraine, such as migraine without aura. To reduce your risk, try avoiding the following known triggers:

• Stress
• Too little or too much sleep
• Extreme heat
• Dehydration
• Skipped meals
• Low blood sugar
• Drinking alcohol
• To smoke
• Bright and/or flashing lights
• Loud noises
• Long-distance driving
• Excessive screen time
• Strong scents or perfumes
• Oral contraceptives

Changes in weather, high altitudes, and hormonal fluctuations can also trigger migraine attacks in some people.

Medical management

Medically managing migraines involves a combination of rescue therapies and preventive medications.

Inhibitor treatments may include:

• Antidepressants
• Antiepileptic drugs (anticonvulsants)
• Beta-blockers
• CGRP monoclonal antibodies (Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Tricyclic drugs

You might also consider keeping rescue treatments on hand in case of a sudden or acute migraine attack. "Abortive" treatments Also referred to as options, these may include:

• Triptans
• CGRP antagonists (Ubrelvy, Nurtec ODT)
• Ditans
• Dihydroergotamine (DHE)
• Ergot derivative drugs that can help in the early stages of migraine.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Anti-nausea medications

Key takeaways

• Ocular migraine is an older term used to describe both retinal migraine and migraine with aura.
• Retinal migraine develops from problems with blood flow to the back of the eye and causes visual disturbances affecting only one eye.
• Migraine with aura is caused by electrical activity in the brain and results in visual disturbances in both eyes.
• Ocular migraine can be treated with both preventive and corrective therapies.

*This article, Healthline This text has been taken from and translated from the website mentioned above. Habit AŞ bears no responsibility for the content of this text. This text is for informational purposes only, has been translated from English, and does not contain any health advice. Habit Gıda AŞ cannot be held responsible for any health problems that may arise in readers as a result of this text. Readers should not take any action regarding the content of this text without consulting their doctor about their own health condition. You should consult your doctor about all matters related to your health.