Symptoms
Ocular Migraine
A shimmering arc or zigzag that spreads across the vision over twenty minutes or so, often without any headache. It is usually harmless, but a first episode is worth having examined to rule other things out.
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Understanding ocular migraine
An ocular migraine is a temporary visual disturbance – such as flickering lights, zig-zag lines or a blind spot – that can occur with or without a headache. The visual symptoms usually last a few minutes to around an hour and then resolve completely.
Although alarming the first time, ocular migraines are usually harmless. Because their symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a first episode is always worth assessing.
Common signs & symptoms
- Flickering or shimmering lights
- Zig-zag or wavy lines in your vision
- A temporary blind spot or “aura”
- Symptoms in one or both eyes
- Sometimes followed by a headache
What causes ocular migraine?
Ocular migraines are thought to be caused by changes in blood flow or nerve activity affecting the visual pathway. Triggers can include stress, tiredness, bright light, certain foods and hormonal changes.
If visual disturbances are new, frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, we recommend an assessment to confirm the cause.
“Many patients describe the moment afterwards as a quiet shift – simply waking up and seeing the world clearly, without reaching for glasses or lenses.”Dr. Jørn Slot Jørgensen – Founder, Medical Director and CEO of EuroEyes
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Frequently asked questions
Is an ocular migraine dangerous?
Usually not, but a first or unusual episode should be assessed to rule out other causes.
How long do symptoms last?
Typically a few minutes up to about an hour, resolving completely.
Can eye strain trigger them?
Tiredness and eye strain are among the recognised triggers.
Expert care at EuroEyes
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