Are you a migraine sufferer? If so, you are likely eager to determine the cause of your migraines. But it can be difficult to find the actual root cause because this trigger is unique to you. Bad eyesight can be one such trigger for the pain, but is not generally the root cause. Still, one category of migraines can temporarily affect your vision.

Below, we explore the nature of ocular migraines that affect your eyesight.
 

What causes a migraine?

Researchers still do not know what causes a migraine. But it is clear that sufferers often have a family or personal history with these severe headaches.

Risk factors for migraines include:

• Genetics and family history

• Hormone imbalance, estrogen in particular

• Stress triggers

• Lack of sleep

• Weather changes

• Alcohol consumption

• Caffeine

• Certain foods

• Specific odors such as perfume or cologne

An ocular migraine has the same risk factors as a standard migraine. Bad eyesight, such as uncorrected vision problems, can also trigger a migraine in some people.
 

What is an ocular migraine?

An ocular migraine is a severe headache that causes temporary vision changes. These changes can include light sensitivity, light perception, seeing wiggly lines or “squiggles,” flashing lights and blind spots. These vision changes during a migraine are collectively called aura symptoms.

The two types of ocular migraines include:

• Migraine with aura

• Retinal migraine

A migraine with aura impairs your vision, in essence causing bad eyesight. You may see stars, patterns, blind spots or flashing lights. Interestingly, migraine with aura does not always involve a headache. Sometimes you only notice the vision changes. Other times you notice the symptoms while suffering intense head pain.

About one-fourth of people who get migraines suffer this type. But only about one-fifth experience these specific ocular migraines with every painful attack.

Retinal migraines involve vision changes or “bad eyesight” in only one eye before the headache occurs or during the pain phase. Retinal ocular migraines are particularly symptomatic when compared to aura. If you suffer this type, you may experience decreased vision and flashing lights. You can even suffer temporary blindness.

Your type of migraine requires a doctor’s diagnosis, particularly to distinguish between aura or retinal ocular migraines.
 

Does bad eyesight trigger migraines?

Untreated bad eyesight, such as if you struggle to read traffic signs or squint a lot to see, can worsen over time. With vision problems you can also suffer eye strain that triggers a migraine. This makes it very important for migraine sufferers to maintain good eye health by seeing an eye doctor for regular eye exams. If you suffer migraines, you should also wear your glasses or contact lenses as prescribed and avoid negative practices like reading in low light.

Some eye health conditions like glaucoma can also trigger migraines. Glaucoma involves a build-up of pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. To prevent migraines triggered by this condition you must undergo glaucoma treatment.
 

See Your Eye Doctor about Your Bad Eyesight Today

Your eye doctor can help you understand what type of migraines you suffer, whether ocular migraines or those unrelated to your vision. Through an eye exam, you can also update your glasses or contacts prescription to ensure bad eyesight is not your headache trigger. Schedule your next visit with Clarity Vision today by contacting the location nearest you.