Eye migraines: these are the symptoms and how you might be able to reduce them

Symptoms

This form of migraine often comes in the form of ophthalmic symptoms, sometimes paired with neurological symptoms, but without headaches. The strange images people with an eye migraine can see are:

  • A growing stain with serrated edges
  • Geometric shapes
  • Vibrating vision (similar to when the asphalt further on down the road looks like a puddle on hot days)
  • White noise in your vision (like on the television)
  • Temporary black vision; black spots spread within a few minutes or reduce your vision
  • Blurred vision

Causes and prevention

An aye migraine can cause anxiety or fear, but it is harmless in most instances. In very few cases, it can lead to permanent damage to the retina or the blood vessels. Permanent loss of vision is very rare. In case you’re in doubt about it all, you can visit your doctor. The doctor will ask questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing and they will do an eye exam. Since the migraine attacks don’t last long, medication or a different type of treatment is rarely useful. Many medicines won’t even have started working yet when the migraine has disappeared again after half an hour. There are a couple of factors that might increase your chance of getting an eye migraine if you already experience them regularly. Try to avoid these:

  • Longterm stress
  • Certain food products like chocolate, cheese, alcohol and artificial sweeteners
  • Prolonged periods of time spent behind a computer or TV
  • High blood pressure
  • Hormonal anti-conception
  • Bending over
  • Being at high altitudes
  • Dehydration
  • Low blood sugar levels
  • Extreme heat
  • Stopping with smoking

Read more: Physiotherapist shares 10-second trick to get rid of your headache

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Source: Mens en Gezondheid | Image: Unsplash

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