Do you see zigzag lines, sparkling spots, or sudden flashes of light? It could be an ophthalmic migraine. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists can quickly assess your visual symptoms to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any more serious conditions.

What is an ophthalmic migraine?

Ophthalmic migraine, also known as migraine with visual aura, is a temporary condition that causes visual disturbances lasting 10 to 30 minutes. Contrary to what the name suggests, ophthalmic migraine is not necessarily accompanied by a headache. In fact, in some people, the visual symptoms occur on their own.

Ocular migraine is caused by a wave of abnormal electrical activity that spreads through the brain's visual cortex. It is not a problem with the eye itself, but rather with the brain. The symptoms are temporary and do not cause any permanent damage to vision.

However, some similar visual symptoms may also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as posterior vitreous detachment, a retinal tear, or a vascular problem. That is why an examination by an optometrist in Gatineau is always recommended during the first episode.

Symptoms of ocular migraine

The symptoms of an ophthalmic migraine can be quite severe, especially during the first episode. Here are the most common ones:

Zigzag lines or geometric shapes: Bright zigzag patterns , sometimes called “fortification specks,” that move slowly across the field of vision. This is the most characteristic symptom of ophthalmic migraine.

Sparkling spots or flashes of light: Colorful or bright flashes that appear in the central or peripheral vision, often spreading gradually.

Scotoma (temporary blind spot): An area of blurred or lost vision, usually surrounded by flashing lights, which can make reading or driving difficult during the episode.

Flash of light: Flashes of light similar to those from a camera, which may occur in one or both eyes.

Blurred or hazy vision: A sensation of visual fog that sometimes accompanies other symptoms.

Headache: When present, a headache usually occurs after the visual symptoms and can last from a few hours to a full day. It is often throbbing, one-sided, and accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light.

Important: If your eye symptoms last longer than 60 minutes, affect only one eye, or are accompanied by numbness, difficulty speaking, or muscle weakness, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may indicate a more serious neurological condition.

Causes and triggers

Ocular migraines are triggered by a combination of factors. Identifying your personal triggers is the key to reducing the frequency of episodes.

Stress and anxiety: The most common trigger. Periods of intense stress at work or in one’s personal life can trigger episodes. This is a particularly common factor among federal employees and office workers in the Gatineau-Ottawa region.

Fatigue and lack of sleep: An irregular sleep schedule, jet lag, or simply not getting enough sleep can be enough to trigger an episode.

Prolonged screen time: Time spent in front of a computer, phone, or tablet without adequate breaks is an increasingly common trigger, especially in sedentary work environments.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or the use of oral contraceptives can trigger ocular migraines in some women.

Certain foods and beverages: Chocolate , red wine, aged cheeses, excessive caffeine, foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG), and processed meats are common triggers.

Weather changes: Fluctuations in atmospheric pressure and sudden changes in temperature, which are common in the Outaouais region, can trigger episodes in sensitive individuals.

Intense visual stimuli: Bright sunlight , fluorescent lights, flickering screens, or striped patterns can trigger a visual aura in some people.

Dehydration and skipping meals: Not drinking enough water or skipping a meal can be enough to trigger an episode.

When should you see an optometrist in Gatineau?

It is important to see an optometrist in the following situations:

First-time symptoms: If this is your first episode of visual disturbances, it is essential to have your eyes examined to confirm that it is indeed an ophthalmic migraine and not another condition, such as a vitreous detachment or a retinal tear.

Visual symptoms lasting longer than 60 minutes: A typical visual aura lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. If symptoms persist for more than an hour, an evaluation is necessary to rule out a neurological or vascular cause.

Frequent or increasing migraines: If your episodes are becoming more frequent, longer, or more intense, seeing an optometrist in Gatineau can help monitor your eye health and refer you to the right specialist if needed.

Unusual eye pain: An ophthalmic migraine does not usually cause pain in the eye. If you experience severe eye pain, it may be a sign of another condition that requires immediate attention.

Symptoms in only one eye: A classic ophthalmic migraine affects both eyes at the same time (since it originates in the brain). Symptoms limited to only one eye may indicate a different eye or vascular problem.

At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists use state-of-the-art technology to assess your condition, including a retinal camera, OCT (optical coherence tomography), and a comprehensive eye exam with pupil dilation as needed.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no specific treatment to stop an ongoing ophthalmic migraine. The most important thing is to sit in a quiet, dark place and wait for the symptoms to subside, which usually takes less than 30 minutes. Avoid driving during an episode.

Prevention involves identifying and avoiding your personal triggers:

Keep a diary of your episodes: Write down what you ate, drank, did, and felt in the hours leading up to each migraine. Over time, patterns will emerge, and you’ll be able to avoid your triggers.

Establish a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at similar times every day, even on weekends.

Manage your stress: Meditation , yoga, regular exercise, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce the frequency of migraines.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using screens: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This is especially important for office workers in the Gatineau-Ottawa region who spend long hours in front of a computer.

Stay hydrated and don't skip meals: Dehydration and low blood sugar are easily preventable triggers.

Consult your doctor about preventive treatment: If you experience frequent migraines (more than 4 per month), your family doctor may prescribe preventive medication. Our optometrists in Gatineau can refer you to the right resources.

Frequently Asked Questions — Ocular Migraine

Q: Can an ophthalmic migraine damage my eyes?
No. An ophthalmic migraine is a neurological condition; it originates in the brain, not the eye. The visual symptoms are temporary and do not cause any permanent damage to vision or the retina. However, an examination by an optometrist is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

Q: How long does an ophthalmic migraine last?
A: The visual symptoms of an ophthalmic migraine usually last 10 to 30 minutes and then go away on their own. If your visual symptoms persist for more than 30 minutes, seek medical attention right away, as it could be something else.

Q: What is the difference between an ophthalmic migraine and a retinal detachment?

A: Both can cause flashes of light, but an ophthalmic migraine is temporary (10 to 30 minutes) and often affects both eyes. Persistent flashes of light, accompanied by floaters or a dark veil in one eye, may indicate a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency. If you have any concerns, please call us at 819-485-1085.

Q: Should I be concerned if I have an ophthalmic migraine for the first time?

A: A first episode always warrants an evaluation. Our optometrists in Gatineau can confirm that it is indeed an ophthalmic migraine and rule out a more serious cause, such as a retinal condition.

Q: Is it possible to have an ophthalmic migraine without a headache?

A: Yes, absolutely. This is sometimes referred to as a “silent ocular migraine”: visual disturbances occur without any pain. It’s common and generally benign, but if it happens for the first time, it’s worth getting it checked out.

Q: What should you do during an ophthalmic migraine?

A: Stop what you’re doing, rest your eyes in a quiet, dimly lit place, and avoid screens. Symptoms usually subside in less than 30 minutes. If you’re driving when it happens, pull over to a safe spot until your vision returns.

Q: Can children have ophthalmic migraines?

A: Yes, children can experience them, although it is less common than in adults. In children, visual symptoms (flashes of light, sparkling spots, zigzag lines) are sometimes difficult to describe, and the child may instead complain of a headache, nausea, or simply want to lie down in the dark. Partial and temporary vision loss (a blurry spot or blind spot that lasts 10 to 30 minutes and then disappears completely) can also occur and is part of the typical presentation.

See an optometrist in Gatineau for your ocular migraines

Are you experiencing unusual visual symptoms such as zigzags, flickering, or sudden blurred vision? Don’t take any chances. Our optometrists at Altitude Optométrie in Gatineau are available to evaluate you promptly.

The clinic is located at 705 Davidson Street West, Suite 1, and is easily accessible from Hull, Aylmer, Templeton, Cantley, Buckingham, and Masson-Angers via Highway 50, Montée Paiement exit.