Ocular Migraine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Ocular migraine can cause temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye for a short period of time, usually less than an hour. It happens before or along with a migraine headache. This condition is rare, and some research suggests that in many cases, the symptoms are actually caused by other problems.

Typical migraine attacks can also cause visual disturbances called an aura, which may include bright lights or blind spots. However, these symptoms usually affect both eyes. That’s why it’s important to see an eye doctor to find out whether you’re dealing with an ocular migraine or something else.

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Symptoms of Ocular Migraine

Your doctor may refer to ocular migraine using other terms such as visual migraine, retinal migraine, ophthalmic migraine, or monocular migraine. Warning signs often involve visual problems that affect only one eye. These may include migraine with aura or changes in vision that last from a few minutes up to about 30 minutes.

It can be hard to tell whether the symptoms are coming from just one eye. Sometimes bright lights or vision loss appear on one side of your visual field but actually involve both eyes. If you’re not sure, cover one eye and then the other to check which eye is affected.

Causes of Ocular Migraine

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How Is It Diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine your eyes, and work to rule out other conditions that can cause similar problems, such as:

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Treatment for Ocular Migraine

The visual phase of an ocular migraine usually lasts less than 60 minutes, so most people do not need specific treatment for the vision changes themselves. It’s best to stop what you’re doing and rest your eyes until your vision returns to normal. If you develop a headache, take a pain reliever recommended by your doctor.

If you experience vision loss in only one eye, it may be due to a serious condition unrelated to migraine, so seek medical help immediately.

There is limited research on the best way to treat or prevent ocular migraine. Your doctor may recommend one or more medications based on your individual case.

You can also book an appointment at Batal Specialized Medical Complex Clinic for a comprehensive eye examination by some of the best ophthalmologists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.