Eye migraine: what to know

People may use eye migraine to describe flashing lights, shimmering patterns, blind spots, visual distortion, or discomfort from light during a migraine episode. These symptoms may occur before, during, or without a headache. Nausea, dizziness, facial pressure, or sensitivity to sound can accompany migraine. Visual symptoms in both eyes are often easier to notice when one eye is covered at a time, although this is not a diagnosis. A new visual disturbance, symptoms in one eye, or a pattern unlike previous episodes should not be assumed to be migraine.

Rest in a quiet, comfortably dim room and reduce screen glare. Sip fluids if you can, follow your clinician’s migraine plan, and take any recommended medicine as directed. Keep a record of visual symptoms, headache, food or sleep changes, stress, and timing; this can reveal personal triggers. Avoid driving or operating machinery while vision is altered. Arrange a medical review if episodes are new, frequent, changing, or disrupting work, study, or sleep.

Get emergency help for sudden vision loss, a curtain-like shadow, severe eye pain, weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, or a sudden severe headache. Seek urgent advice for fever with stiff neck, repeated vomiting, or a visual change confined to one eye. These features can have causes other than migraine and need prompt examination.

Do my visual symptoms fit migraine aura, or should my eyes and nervous system be checked? What should I take at the first sign? Which changes mean I should attend emergency care?