What should you know about ophthalmic migraine?

A person may see zigzags, shimmering areas, blind spots, or flashing lights before or during a headache. Some people have visual symptoms without head pain. Migraine can also present with headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vertigo, light sensitivity, or facial pain and pressure. Visual symptoms often affect both eyes, even when they seem to come from one side; covering one eye at a time can help describe this distinction to a clinician.

Move to a quiet, dim room, avoid driving while vision is altered, and record when the symptoms began, how long they lasted, and whether headache followed. Regular sleep, hydration, and meals may reduce triggers for some people. A clinician can review medicines, other conditions, and the pattern over time before recommending an individual plan.

Seek urgent care for sudden or persistent loss of vision, new weakness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, a severe unfamiliar headache, or symptoms after an injury. A first episode, symptoms in only one eye, or a substantial change from your usual pattern deserves prompt assessment because migraine is not the only possible explanation.

Ask whether the symptoms fit migraine, whether an eye or neurological examination is needed, which triggers to track, and what treatment is suitable if attacks recur.