Ocular Migraine Symptoms

Temporary vision loss or distortion in one eye, are the major repercussions of an ocular migraine or ophthalmic migraines and as mentioned, with or without any headache. It is not a common health disorder and is known to affect only a small percentage of people. There is an occurrence of sudden tightening of blood vessels which reduces or restricts the flow of blood to the part of the brain which controls the vision, thus resulting in an ocular migraine.

The vision, as said, is affected temporarily and in most cases, normal vision returns after some time. Most cases, wherein, people have come up with this condition have shown full recovery and without any complication. There are negligible and very rare chances of permanent vision loss. People who are considered more susceptible to this condition are women and those who are suffering from diseases such as lupus, hardening of the arteries, sickle cell disease, epilepsy, and depression. The disorder has also been found to prevail in people under 40 and most commonly in those who have a history of migraines or headache running among the family.

An important fact to take a note of is that in many cases an 'ocular migraine' is referred to as migraine with auras, which is also responsible for causing visual distortions. The line of difference between the two is the fact that in an ocular migraine, only one eye is affected, while migraine with auras are known to affect both the eyes.

What Symptoms is Ocular Migraine Typical of?
Other than complete but temporary vision loss in one eye, ocular migraine causes blurring of vision, partial vision loss, dimming and scotomas (an isolated area of diminished vision within the visual field) or also known as blank spots in the vision. Scintillations (rapid changes in brightness; a brief spark or flash) or metamorphopsia (a defect of vision in which objects appear to be distorted; usually due to a defect in the retina) are the other symptoms.

Causes and Treatment Measures
Stress, premenstrual changes, alcohol abuse, oral contraceptives and at times even hunger, are associated with the causes of ocular migraines. The attacks of these migraines may also occur due to certain foods such as caffeine, chocolate, red wine, rich meat, aged cheese, etc.

No definite cure for ocular migraine are present and the disorder generally does not require any kind of treatment. In an event of an attack, it is advisable for the patient to get some rest in a darkened room. However, if the symptoms are recurring more frequently, you might require the aid of medications. Medicines prescribed by your doctor will be mainly targeted towards the factors which trigger the disorder.

During an attack or the onset of ocular migraine symptoms, it is important for the affected person to put a halt to whatever ongoing activity he is in such as driving, jogging, running and all those which requires sharp vision, for their safety. Until the symptoms subside, which they do in most cases, stay still and find a safe spot for yourself. Post-attack if you think that you are having the sensations of abnormal vision symptoms, do not contemplate or sit on it, just pay a visit to a doctor.