Home » Blog » What Causes Ocular and Visual Migraines?

Posted by: Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center

At Mitchell Eye Center in Boca Raton, we strive to provide each and every patient with clear and accurate vision. Our eye doctors and staff offer individualized treatments like eye exams, LASIK eye surgery, botox injections, and other cosmetic procedures. We will work with you and your eye condition to ensure you receive the care you need and deserve. For some patients, that may mean working together to find solutions and treatments for ocular and visual migraines. You can feel confident seeking eye care with our Boca Raton eye doctor!

Ocular & Visual Migraines Explained

Visual migraines differ as they typically affect both eyes. This condition varies and may cloud a patient’s vision in different ways. A patient may experience a flickering blind spot in the center of their vision, a wavy or zigzag circle of light, or a blind spot that slowly moves around their field of vision. Visual migraines typically last around 30 minutes and can occur with a migraine or a migraine may occur after vision has been restored.

The Causes of Ocular & Visual Migraines

Both ocular and visual migraines affect your vision. Typically, ocular migraines occur in one eye and may be paired with a migraine or no pain at all. It is a rare condition that usually consists of temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye. The condition can be different from patient to patient, but it can include a blind spot that increases over time, making it difficult to read, drive, or see at all. Normally, an ocular migraine lasts about one hour and then vision is clear again.

It is not entirely clear what causes ocular or visual migraines, however, they typically occur in patients who suffer from general migraines. Migraines do have a genetic basis and some patients may have a family history of migraines meaning they are more susceptible to the condition. Additionally, there are some triggers that may increase the likelihood of a migraine and therefore an ocular or visual migraine. These triggers include:

• Specific foods like aged cheese, drinks with caffeine, red wine, smoked meat, and chocolate.
• Food additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners.
• Smoking or secondhand smoke, glaring or flickering lights, lack of sleep and increased stress.

Contact Your Boca Raton Eye Doctor Today!

If you are experiencing ocular or visual migraines, please contact Mitchell Eye Center immediately. Depending on your condition, our eye doctor may prescribe a specific treatment or recommend eye surgery in Boca Raton, FL. We will work with you to find a solution and resolve your ocular migraines. Schedule an appointment with our eye doctor for an updated eye exam, botox injections, or LASIK eye surgery. We look forward to seeing you soon!