At Dolman Eyecare in New Hamburg, we understand how unsettling sudden vision changes can be—especially if they come with or without a headache. One common culprit? Ocular migraines. These temporary visual disturbances can be brief but their impact is always felt and often disrupts your day.
Our practice is centered around holistic eyecare and that includes neuro-optometry which tackles issues centered around how the brain and eyes work together and how this plays into ocular migraines.
What Are Ocular Migraines?
Ocular migraines, also known as retinal or visual migraines, often manifest with symptoms like flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, or even temporary loss of vision in one eye. They typically last from a few minutes to under an hour and may or may not be followed by a headache.
Unlike typical migraines, these affect your vision and may manifest without any semblance of a headache. Some people may experience both simultaneously, but many don’t.
What Causes Them?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but ocular migraines are believed to be linked to temporary reductions in blood flow to the eye or disturbances in the visual cortex of the brain. Triggers often include:
- Stress or fatigue
- Bright or flickering lights
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Certain foods (like aged cheese or red wine)
- Dehydration
- Caffeine withdrawal
At Dolman Eyecare in New Hamburg, we take time to explore your health history and lifestyle to help pinpoint possible triggers.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Sudden loss of vision or a blind spot
- Flashing lights or shimmering patterns
- Tunnel vision or visual “auras”
- Headache before, during, or after visual changes
If you experience these symptoms for the first time, it’s essential to seek immediate care from our eye doctors to rule out more serious conditions like retinal detachment or stroke.
Diagnosis and Treatment
At Dolman Eyecare in New Hamburg, our comprehensive eye exams can help differentiate ocular migraines from other serious conditions. Neuro-optometry is a huge part of our practice and with that comes understanding and treating the issues associated with neuro-optometric conditions like headaches and migraines. We use advanced diagnostic tools to assess retinal health, neurological signs, and vascular integrity.
Treatment typically involves lifestyle adjustments to minimize triggers, hydration, and stress reduction. Your physician may recommend certain medications.
Find Long Term Relief from Migraines with Dolman Eyecare
Living with ocular migraines doesn’t have to be disruptive. Let Dolman Eyecare in New Hamburg help you find clarity and comfort with personalized care and proven solutions. Book your appointment now!