What should you know about optical migraine?

People may notice shimmering lines, flashing lights, zigzags, blind spots, or distorted vision. Headache may follow, but visual aura can occur without head pain. Migraine may also present with dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, facial pain and pressure, or light sensitivity. Symptoms that are new, prolonged, or limited to one eye should not be labelled from the name alone.

Stop driving and rest somewhere quiet with gentle lighting while vision is altered. Keep a record of timing, possible triggers, headache, and associated symptoms. Regular meals, fluids, sleep, and a personalised treatment plan may help reduce future attacks. A clinician can check whether medicines or another eye condition could be contributing.

Get urgent medical help for sudden persistent vision loss, weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, confusion, fainting, or a severe unfamiliar headache. Prompt assessment is also needed for a first episode, one-eye symptoms, or a clear change in your established pattern.

Ask whether the pattern is consistent with migraine aura, whether your eyes need examination, how to track triggers, and what action plan to use during a future episode.