Migraines & Headaches Health Center
The Basics About Ocular Migraines
What Is an Ocular Migraine?
Ocular migraines cause temporary vision loss or distortion in one eye, usually accompanied or followed by a headache. They are also called retinal or ophthalmic migraines.
Ocular migraines are caused by a sudden tightening (or constriction) of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the eye. Most last under five minutes. Afterward, vision usually returns to normal.
Although frightening, ocular migraines are typically harmless. Most people recover fully. They can sometimes cause damage to the retina and its blood vessels. Permanent vision loss is quite rare.
Ocular migraines may be more common in
- Women
- People under 40
- People who have a personal or family history of migraines or other headaches
- People who have diseases like lupus, hardening of the arteries, sickle cell disease, epilepsy, and depression.
NOTE: The term "ocular migraine" is used in different ways, which can cause confusion. More common migraines with auras -- which also cause visual distortions -- are sometimes described as an "ocular migraines," especially if they don't cause a headache.
The difference between these two types of migraines is that ocular migraines only cause symptoms in one eye, while migraines with aura affect both.
Since the term can have very different meanings, you should be careful. If your doctor diagnoses you with an ocular migraine, make sure you understand how he or she is using the term.
WebMD Medical Reference
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