A Visionary Black Hole
Ophthalmic (eye) migraines are quite common and often painless, although "migraine" brings to mind pain, particularly if you’ve been a victim. Ocular migraine is completely different, including visual disturbances, with or without pain, believed to be related to changes in brain blood flow.
Typical migraines can be triggered by neurological responses attributed to hormonal changes, flashing lights, or chemicals in foods or medications, lasting hours or days.
Symptoms of Ocular Migraine
With ocular migraines, typically you see a small, enlarging blind spot (scotoma) in your central vision with bright, flickering lights (scintillations) or a shimmering zig-zag line (metamorphopsia) inside the blind spot. The blind spot usually enlarges and may move across your field of vision — the entire ocular migraine phenomenon may end in a few minutes, but can last 30 minutes or more; the headache can last for days, even with dull, non-debilitating pain.
Generally, ocular migraines are considered harmless, usually painless, cause no permanent visual or brain damage, and do not require treatment. That said, always consult your eye doctor when you have unusual vision symptoms to rule out another condition requiring treatment, such as detached retina, which should be checked immediately to avoid permanent damage.
Causes of Ocular Migraines
Overtiredness — i.e., too much computer work and/or reading, not enough rest
After cataract surgery, if cloudy substance forms behind lens — putting pressure on optic nerves, and clouding field of vision
Migraines — more serious and painful, often triggered by specific causes as toxic food ingredients (MSG, food coloring, nitrates/sulfites).
The cause of ocular migraine is thought to begin with brain arteries that spasm, precipitated by stress, hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, foods containing tyramine or phenylalanine (e.g., cheese, chocolate), fatigue, post cataract surgery and alcohol. The result is reduction in arterial blood flow, followed by blood vessel dilation over-filling vessels, causing throbbing or "pounding" headache.
I Have an Ocular Migraine, Now What?
A visit to an eye doctor may produce few answers because of the variety of causes and vision symptoms accompanying painless ocular migraines, not related directly to the eyes. These visual symptoms occur as a result of migraine activity in the visual cortex of the brain located in the back of the skull.
If sharp vision is essential for your safety, you should STOP what you’re doing immediately. If driving, PULL OVER until the ocular event passes and vision has cleared. Stay still until ocular event resolves. If unusual or lingering vision symptoms persist, visit your eye doctor or physician. If you can trace the symptoms to a food event, consult a nutritionally-aware natural health practitioner.
Dr. Gilbѐre is Founder/CEO of the Institute for Wholistic Rejuvenation – after 22 years of owning/operating two health clinics in Sandpoint, ID she relocated 5 yrs. ago to Gig Harbor – consulting worldwide via Telephone/Skype, and Gig Harbor. She’s an acclaimed author (18 books), syndicated talk-show host, creator of 8 post-graduate courses and 1,700+ health articles. Her post-graduate Wholistic Rejuvenation courses for health professionals are accredited by international medical schools and teaching hospitals. Visit her webpage at: www.gloriagilbere.com.
