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Numerous factors can lead to a migraine, whether it’s ocular or retinal migraine.
Although people may use the terms ocular migraine and retinal migraine to refer to the same thing, there are some important differences between them.
An ocular migraine generally occurs in both eyes. A retinal migraine is rare and tends to involve just one eye. It occurs when blood vessels that supply the eye become narrow. The migraine usually lasts about 10 to 20 minutes and sometimes up to an hour.
Symptoms of a retinal migraine are similar to those of an ocular migraine and may include complete, temporary vision loss in one eye. Once the retinal migraine passes, blood vessels open back up and the vision returns to normal.
What are ocular migraines?
The term “ocular migraine” generally means a headache that's accompanied by temporary visual changes and then the patient is completely normal between attacks. However, the term is often confusing because it’s used interchangeably to refer to two different conditions:
- migraine aura that usually isn't serious, and
- retinal migraine that could signal something serious.
What causes ocular migraines?
Ocular migraines are often genetic and may run in families. The main cause has been linked to estrogen, a female hormone that fluctuates during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, or with the use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies.
What are the migraine symptoms?
Symptoms of migraine include:
- Temporary vision loss in one or both the eyes; vision loss may occur suddenly or as a gradually increasing shaded area or blind spot
- Lights that flash in the eyes in the form of zigzag lines or jagged lines or shimmering stars or spots
- Headaches following, during, or before the visual loss
What are migraine triggers?
Numerous factors can lead to a migraine, whether it’s ocular or retinal migraine. Reasons may vary between different individuals. In the case of ocular migraines, it’s important to pay attention to these possible triggers:
- Stress and anxiety
- Relaxation after a stressful time
- Loud sounds or bright lights
- Strong odors
- Changes in weather
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Drugs
- Foods
Retinal migraines are more likely to be triggered by other factors such as intense exercise, dehydration, low blood sugar, high blood pressure, hot temperatures, and tobacco use.
Can food items trigger ocular/retinal migraines?
Certain foods can trigger both types of migraines, which may include:
- Red wine or other alcohol varieties
- Food and drinks that contain caffeine (also, caffeine withdrawal)
- Processed meats that contain nitrates such as hot dogs and sausages
- Fast foods and other products with the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate
- Artificial sweeteners
- Foods with the compound tyramine, including smoked fish, cured meats, and some soy products
What are migraine treatments?
Most ocular and retinal migraines usually go away on their own and don't require any treatment. Take proper rest and avoid triggers such as loud noises or bright lights.
If these migraines occur frequently, the ophthalmologist may suggest medications, including those used to treat other forms of migraines. Beta-blockers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants sometimes help relieve migraine symptoms although more research is needed to determine the most effective treatments.
