Your ability to see is the result of intense coordination between your eyes and your brain. Your visual and neurological systems are so intertwined that eyesight changes may cause headaches, while neurological disorders may lead to vision irregularities. A good example is an ocular migraine.
Read on as Vienna Eyecare Center discusses this condition in detail.
What Are Ocular Migraines?
Ocular migraines are headaches accompanied by visual disturbances that usually last for about 20 to 30 minutes. While their exact cause remains unknown, the World Health Organization states this condition is “almost certainly” hereditary. In fact, around 70% of affected individuals have relatives who experience the same problem. Ocular migraines most commonly affect women in their 30s and 40s.
Researchers believe that retinal blood vessel spasms may cause the brain to initiate an inflammatory response, resulting in ocular migraines. Your expert eye doctor explains that eating aged cheese, drinking coffee and seeing flickering or glaring lights are common triggers of this condition. Stress, fatigue and lack of sleep may also contribute.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary. Some may have a blind spot in their visual field, while others may see wavy lines and flashing lights. In more severe cases, you may experience temporary blindness. You might also develop moderate to severe headaches that may last for several hours. Finally, you may experience a throbbing pain in certain areas of your head. The pain may worsen when you move or when you hear loud noises.
Ways to Manage Ocular Migraines
Ocular migraines usually do not require treatment. If your ocular headaches are occurring more frequently with increasingly severe symptoms, however, it’s best to seek help from your trusted optometrist. We may perform a comprehensive eye exam to establish the cause. We may also check for signs of underlying eye conditions that may be causing this problem.
Since stress is a major trigger of ocular migraines, engaging in relaxing activities is recommended. Eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep may also help. We advise taking note of when you have episodes, as this can help identify the trigger.
For more questions about ocular migraines, call your expert eye care clinic at (703) 938-7633. You may also complete our contact form to schedule a visit. We serve Fairfax, VA, and nearby areas.
