When a migraine hits, it can be scary to experience changes in your vision. Different types of migraines can occur. Some of these headaches cause debilitating pain, while other types of migraines are painless but interrupt your vision.
The good news is that vision problems during a migraine are usually short-lived. Once the migraine passes, then your vision will return to normal.
Regular migraines typically include a combination of symptoms, including pain, light sensitivity, nausea, and more. For most people, pain is the distinguishing symptom that indicates a migraine is coming on. Both eyes are affected by this type of migraine. When the symptoms are severe, sometimes the only option is to lie down and wait for the migraine to go away.
In comparison, an ocular migraine affects the eyes mostly, and there aren’t a lot of other associated symptoms. If you are having an ocular migraine, you might have no pain in the head region. But there are undeniable changes in your vision. One important distinction that you might notice is that an ocular migraine often only affects one eye.
During an ocular migraine, you might see small blind spots in the beginning. Then these spots seem to enlarge and cause more and more vision loss. Some people experience flashing lights or zigzagging lines. You might go for up to 30 minutes without vision in that eye. Then the vision returns when the migraine is over.
Doctors are continuing to research migraines to understand the root cause that triggers the symptoms. There are suggestions that migraines are genetic, especially since people with migraines often have family members who experience similar symptoms.
When a migraine occurs, there is a change in blood flow to the brain. But researchers still don’t understand exactly why this change occurs. Some experts believe that migraines are related to hormone levels, which is why women tend to have a higher risk of migraines during pregnancy, their monthly period, and menopause.
For example, some women start to develop migraines during hormone replacement therapy or when they are using birth control.
Do you experience headaches or migraines? Then it might be time to get your eyes checked. An eye exam can rule out other complications contributing to your symptoms.
For more information about your eye health, contact our pro team at Temecula Creek Optometry: (951) 302 -1331.