Ophthalmic Migraines
What is an ophthalmic migraine?
An ophthalmic migraine is a temporary condition that can cause mild visual disturbances. These visual symptoms are often transient and disappear within 10 to 30 minutes. They may be associated with a headache, but not always.
Common symptoms:
Flashes of light or scintillations.
Shimmering or colored spots.
Partial or temporary loss of vision (scotoma).
Zigzag lines or geometric shapes.
Sensation of blurred or veiled vision.
Causes and triggers:
Ophthalmic migraines can occur in response to certain triggers such as:
Stress or anxiety.
Fatigue or lack of sleep.
Prolonged exposure to bright light or screens.
Hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy).
Certain foods : chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, aged cheeses.
When should you consult an optometrist?
Although ophthalmic migraines are generally benign, it is recommended to consult a professional if:
Symptoms are new or unusual.
Vision loss lasts more than 30 minutes.
Migraines are frequent or very intense.
You experience unusual eye pain.
Our optometrists can examine your eyes and confirm that you are dealing with an ophthalmic migraine, while also ruling out other possible causes of the visual symptoms, such as retinal disease or other eye conditions.
Treatments and prevention:
Rest and stress management : Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Adopt a regular sleep pattern : Fatigue is a common trigger.
Avoid known triggers : Write down what you ate or experienced before a migraine to better identify them.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
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Preventive or symptomatic medications : Consult your doctor if migraines are recurrent.