Ocular migraine describes visual disturbances linked to migraine, usually without permanent eye damage. Symptoms may arise from retinal or cortical causes.
Symptoms
Visual phenomena are typically temporary, lasting up to an hour.
- Flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or shimmering blind spots aura
- Occasionally monocular grey-out or scotoma in one eye
- May or may not be followed by headache, nausea, or light sensitivity
- Normal eye examination between attacks
Management
Care focuses on excluding other causes and managing migraine.
- Detailed history and sometimes visual field or retinal imaging
- Trigger avoidance, regular sleep, and hydration
- Acute and preventive migraine medications when needed
- Urgent assessment if visual loss is prolonged, painful, or different from usual attacks
