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Retinal migraine occurs when the blood vessels in the eye suddenly constrict, reducing the blood flow to the eye.
Retinal migraine is described by the presence of transient vision loss in one eye that may or may not be followed by a headache. Vision disturbances can occur during a migraine aura but they affect both the eyes.
Though the migraine episodes can be frightening, they are short-lived mostly, and the eyesight goes back to normal afterward. Some people may get migraine attacks every few months, although the frequency can vary.
With repeated retinal migraine attacks, there is a small risk that the reduced blood flow may damage the thin layer of the retina and the blood vessels of the eye. Permanent vision loss is rare.
What causes visual aura in migraine?
Visual aura occurs when blood flow to the tissues of the eyes temporarily stops and leads to the development of a hypoxic (reduced oxygen supply to the eyes) attack. This happens more commonly in people who work with heavy eye strain.
The cause can be hereditary. If both parents suffer from migraines, the possibility of passing it down to the child is 90 percent.
5 symptoms of retinal migraine
- Abnormalities arising in the field of view are bright flashes, flickering, dark spots, and streaks that can merge
- Headache that may appear before, during, or after the vision attack
- The temporary or total decline in visual acuity of one eye
- The appearance of scintillating lights
- Increased sensitivity to light, sounds, and touch, so the patient often seeks loneliness and silence
10 main migraine triggers
Retinal migraine occurs when the blood vessels in the eye suddenly constrict, reducing the blood flow to the eye.
Common triggers for migraines include:
- Stress
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Exercise
- Bending over
- High altitude
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar
- Excessive heat
Afterward, the blood vessels relax, the blood flow is restored and the sight returns. Usually, there are no abnormalities within the eye and permanent damage to the vision is rare.
Does retinal migraine affect pregnancy?
Retinal migraine can occur during pregnancy, mainly in the first trimester anytime in the first 14 weeks of gestation. Migraine frequency generally declines in the later weeks of pregnancy.
Increased stress levels, fluid retention, and hormonal fluctuations contribute to migraine occurrence during pregnancy.
Studies suggest that migraines during pregnancy can cause certain complications, such as high blood pressure in the mother and a higher risk of low birth weight in the baby. Most often, migraines of the eye appear due to sleep disturbances, improper rest, and emotional instability.
How is retinal migraine diagnosed?
The diagnosis will be based on medical history, physical exam, symptoms, and tests to rule out other causes.
To exclude the presence of eye pathologies, the following tests are recommended:
- External examination of the eyes to exclude the presence of inflammation and injury
- Study of the reaction of the pupils to light and other stimuli
- Examination of the eyeballs’ mobility
- Assessment of the eyeballs’ volume
- Ophthalmoscopy
- Imaging studies to assess the health of the eyes and their blood vessels
What are the treatments for retinal migraine?
Episodes of retinal migraine are usually treated with medications, including:
- Antinausea medication
- Calcium channel blockers control blood pressure
- Antiepileptic medications prevent seizures
- Tricyclic antidepressants change brain chemistry