Could Migraine Headaches Have Something to Do With My Eyes?
Do you suffer from migraines? If you do, and your migraine is accompanied by short-term vision loss or blindness, then you may have what doctors refer to as an ocular migraine. While eyestrain may trigger some headaches, and standard migraines may cause blind spots or the appearance of a flashing aura, an ocular migraine comes with some unique vision symptoms. Read on to learn more now.
Signs You Are Having an Ocular Migraine…
If you are experiencing vision loss in a single eye, followed by a painful, throbbing headache that lasts from 4 to 72 hours and affects one side of your head, that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and light or sound sensitivity, there’s a good chance you are suffering from an ocular migraine.
Ocular migraines may be caused disturbances in the retina, such as blood vessel spasms or changes in retinal nerve cells. These types of migraines are also called retinal migraines.
Who Gets Ocular or Retinal Migraines?
While virtually anyone can get a retinal or ocular migraine, there are some characteristics that are common to many sufferers. For example, these types of migraines occur more often in women under forty, especially when they have a family history of headaches or retinal migraines.
Those with diseases that affect blood vessels could also be more susceptible. Such diseases could include sickle cell anemia, lupus, hardened arteries, giant cell arteritis, and epilepsy.
Treatment for Ocular Migraines
If you suspect you have an ocular migraine, consult your eye doctor immediately, as the condition could lead to vision loss or be an indicator of other problems.
While there is no definitive treatment for an ocular or retinal migraine, your Doctor may be able to isolate a different condition that is causing your symptoms and one that is more treatable, or may offer some treatments that have been successful in some cases such as propranolol, valproate or Amitriptyline.
If your migraines are not ocular or retinal migraines, there may be other treatments that can be useful, even if your migraines are accompanied by some vision issues. Medications that can help with migraines include pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen, migraine drugs that combine chemicals like acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine, and triptans like Relpax and Amerge that constrict blood vessels.
Besides medication, some migraine sufferers may find it helpful to rest in darkened rooms that feature a minimal amount of sound, with a cold compress over the eyes. If you or a family member suffers from migraines, you may want to consider reliable soundproofing for your home or at the very least, for the sufferer’s bedroom.
Contact Beaumont Vision for Better Eye Health Today
Even if you’re not experiencing migraines, there are many eye-related diseases that you can ward off or minimize through proper eye examinations and care. If you’re in the Portland area, Beaumont Vision can provide professional, individualized eye care from highly qualified optometric physicians, as well as an assortment of great looking eyewear to suit your optical needs. Contact us for your next eye exam today.