Most people wouldn’t go to the doctor for a passing headache, but sometimes a visit is well-warranted. When ocular migraines strike, they could indicate serious problems.
What Makes a Migraine?
A migraine is a headache that recurs or keeps happening. They’re usually associated with significant throbbing pain, and you may only notice issues on one side of your head. In some cases, people also experience lightheadedness, nausea, or weakness.
There are many types of migraines, some of which can feel worse than others. For instance, chronic migraines occur more than 15 times a month over three months, with individual attacks being from 4–72 hours long.
What Are Ocular Migraines?
Ocular migraines can include the typical headache, but they can also impact your sight. You might experience vision loss or blindness. Visual symptoms typically last for under an hour, and they may precede your headache or happen at the same time.
The effects you’ll notice with these migraines vary. You might develop blind spots or colored halos in your visual field. These phenomena can also occur repeatedly. Some people become sensitive to light or sound. Moving around may also make your headache more uncomfortable or painful.
Some ocular migraines affecting only one eye are known as retinal migraines. These migraines are associated with twinkling lights (scintillations), areas of reduced vision (scotoma), and the other ocular migraine symptoms listed above.
Why Should You Talk to a Doctor About Your Ocular Migraines?
Doctors have known about ocular migraines for a long time, but they’re still unsure of what causes them. Multiple theories suggest it’s got something to do with the retina that lines the back of your eyeball, such as blood vessel spasms or nerve issues.
Many people who experience ocular migraines find they go away after resting their eyes. But you shouldn’t just ignore them. Your condition might be related to unknown issues that could eventually cause permanent vision loss. Talking to a doctor can also help you rule out serious health concerns, such as strokes, autoimmune diseases, blocked arteries, clotting disorders, or blood vessel inflammation.
Get Ocular Migraine Help at Southside Eye Care
Ocular migraines impact everyone differently. But as a universal rule, they shouldn’t go untreated or undiagnosed. Find out how to handle yours by booking a consultation at Southside Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA. Call 757-484-0101 or schedule on the web.
