What should you know about migraine in one eye?

Flashing lights, zigzag lines, shimmering areas, blind spots, or blurred vision may occur around a migraine attack. Visual aura commonly arises from brain processing and may be perceived across the visual field, even when it feels as though one eye is involved. Covering each eye separately during an episode can help describe whether the change remains with one eye, but do not delay care to test this. Eye pain, a red eye, halos, or a fixed visual defect may point to another problem.

Stop driving, sit somewhere safe, and reduce bright light while the visual change is present. Note its start, development, duration, which eye seems affected, and whether Headache, nausea, dizziness, or facial pressure follows. Avoid rubbing the eye. Use your established migraine treatment only as directed, and arrange an eye or medical review for a first episode or a pattern that has changed.

Seek emergency care for sudden or lasting loss of vision, a curtain-like shadow, new double vision, severe eye pain, a red eye with blurred vision, or visual change with weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, or a severe sudden headache. Prompt assessment is also needed after an eye injury or when symptoms differ from your usual migraine.

Does this visual pattern fit migraine aura or require an eye examination? What should I do if it returns, and which changes mean emergency care?