Visual Migraine VS Ocular Migraine: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re working in a desk job or you’re attending online classes, there’s a big possibility that you keep looking at a computer screen for hours on end. As such, you may experience migraines from time to time. Migraines can cause slight discomfort and may even affect your vision and ability to see clearly. 

There are two types of migraine you might have heard of: visual and ocular. While both migraines involve changes in your vision, there are ways to tell them apart. Lumen Optometric, known for quality dry eye treatment services, explains the difference between visual and ocular migraines. 

Visual Migraine

Visual migraine is a temporary visual impairment that may occur simultaneously in both eyes. Most visual migraines last for 30 minutes, but depending on your stress levels and overall health, they may last longer. You may also experience a migraine headache shortly after a visual migraine. 

The symptoms of visual migraine may vary. These include:

• Flickering blind spot in the center or near the center of your peripheral field
• A wavy or zigzag ring of colored light surrounding a blind spot
• A blind spot that slowly migrates across your line of vision

If you frequently experience any of these symptoms, you should consider contacting your optometrist for a neurolens treatment.

Ocular Migraine

Ocular migraine, on the other hand, is a rarer type of migraine. Unlike visual migraine, ocular migraine only affects one eye. It causes temporary loss of vision, which occurs when there is reduced blood flow in the eye. Ocular migraines can also be triggered because of blood vessel spasms in the retina. It typically lasts for about an hour, and vision eventually returns. 

In addition, the most common symptom of ocular migraine is the appearance of a blind spot. This blind spot affects your field of vision and normally appears first in the center. As the migraine worsens, the blind spot grows and gradually blocks your entire field of vision. A migraine headache may also occur before, during, or after you experience ocular migraine. 

Visual and ocular migraines are usually nothing to be worried about, and they will resolve themselves within an hour or less. Nevertheless, if these types of migraine headaches persist, be sure to book an appointment with your eye doctor.

Are you looking for a professional scleral optometrist in your area? Turn to Lumen Optometric for your eye care needs! Call us today at (626) 921-0199 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.