For the past almost 7 years I've been experiencing what sci…
For the past almost 7 years I've been experiencing what science calls "Ocular migraines". Suddenly and without any particular or consistent prior activity, I get these triangular sharp geometric patterns, shimmering colors in my peripheral view. The illustration is more dramatic than how I experience it but it is always colors and geometric patters in a partial triangular, sometimes one side or the other sometimes both. If I close my eyes the patterns persist. It can last 5 to 30 minutes. It doesn't hurt.
At first it was disturbing (i was like, WTF??) and then I just got used to it, studied it, and now find it fascinating. I'll prompt the AI to tell us more about it, but basically it comes from the brain and not from visual perception.
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Tell us about ocular migraines
Ocular migraines, also known as visual migraines, are a type of migraine that primarily affect vision. They typically involve visual disturbances known as auras but may not be accompanied by the headache pain often associated with migraines. These visual auras can manifest as shimmering or flickering lights, zigzag patterns, or geometric shapes, often in one or both eyes. These disturbances can last anywhere from a few minutes to about 30 minutes.
The cause of ocular migraines is not entirely understood, but it's thought to involve changes in blood flow or electrical activity in the brain, particularly in the areas responsible for vision. Unlike typical migraines, the disruptions occur in the visual part of the brain rather than being a result of issues with the eyes themselves.
Ocular migraines can be triggered by similar factors as other migraines, such as stress, certain foods, bright lights, or hormonal changes, though triggers can vary widely from person to person. While they can be unsettling, ocular migraines are generally considered harmless and don't typically cause lasting damage to the eyes or brain.
If you or anyone experiencing them has concerns or if the episodes occur frequently, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any other underlying conditions and discuss possible management or preventive strategies.
I'm near-sighted with astigmatism and have worn corrective lenses my whole adult life, is there any evidence that either of these are more prevalent in those that experience ocular migraines?
There isn’t strong evidence to suggest that nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism directly increases the likelihood of experiencing ocular migraines. Ocular migraines are more related to neurological processes within the brain rather than structural issues with the eye itself. While visual disturbances are a key feature of ocular migraines, they are generally not linked to common refractive errors like myopia or astigmatism.
If you have concerns about your vision or migraines, consulting with an eye care specialist or neurologist may provide more personalized insights and help you manage both your corrective vision needs and any migraine symptoms.
I get migraines... genetically predisposed. have dealt with it since I was 18 years old. I get an ocular migraine first no pain but there is a tear in the bottom left quadrant of my vision... like there is a spot that I can't see anything in, and then get a painful headache about 30 mins after. hard exercise often sets it off. not fun
the first time it happened during a test in college I thought I had a stroke. teacher was nice, let me retake the test