Ocular Migraine Prevention

The first step to preventing migraines is to avoid triggers. These often include:

• Stress
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Hormonal birth control pills
• Exercise
• Bending over
• High altitude
• Dehydration
• Low blood sugar
• Excessive heat

Although dietary triggers -- like caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners -- can cause other types of migraines, they seem less likely to trigger ocular migraines.

Medications can also prevent ocular migraines. Calcium channel blockers, like Cardene and Calan, are the most commonly used drugs. They work by opening up the blood vessels. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin are also sometimes used. Less often, your doctor may prescribe drugs used to prevent blood clotting, depression, and epilepsy.