You're going about your daily routine when all of the sudden half of your vision field appears to be gone or distorted. This is often followed by a series of flashing lights, zigzag lines, and a kaleidoscope of colors dancing across your vision. You can't see anything except the weird visual disturbances. If it's the first time you're experiencing these frightening symptoms, you will probably call someone to take you to the nearest emergency facility or clinic. While scary, these symptoms are caused by a benign condition called ocular migraines.

It's in your head

Ocular migraines are real, and the symptoms you're experiencing are real, but the eyes themselves do not cause the strange symptoms. Scientists aren't exactly sure what causes ocular migraines to occur. Some believe it's an inflammatory response in the brain that irritates the blood vessels and causes them to expand and contract. Others believe a chemical response is to blame. These responses limit blood flow to the eyes, causing the strange symptoms.

They don't last long

The strange visual disturbances clear up in about 30 minutes or less. You may develop a pounding headache afterwards, but some people only have the strange visual symptoms and never develop a headache. It's common to feel tired following an attack, and you may need to rest for a few hours. You may also experience mild nausea after your vision clears up.

What causes them?

Ocular migraines tend to be hereditary. Like traditional migraines, they may be triggered by certain foods. Aged cheese, wine, chocolate, nitrates, artificial sweeteners, MSG, and soy products are common triggers. Changes in the weather, hormone fluctuations, stress, bright lights, and noise can be causes in sensitive individuals. If you suffer from ocular migraines, you should keep a food and symptom journal to see if a certain food or other factor is a cause. Changes in sleep habits may be a cause as well. Keeping the same sleep schedule may be beneficial in preventing ocular migraines.

What to do if you get one

If it's the first time you develop strange visual symptoms, you need to see your physician and eye doctor, such as at Las Vegas Family Eye Care, for a complete eye exam to rule out physiological causes. If your doctor diagnoses you with ocular migraines, you can do a few things to get through an attack. Most important of all, try not to panic. Reminding yourself of what it is and knowing it will pass soon will help put your mind at ease. Since you mostly have no warning signs until the strange visual disturbances arrive, you will be caught off guard. If you're driving, you should pull off the road and wait until your vision returns to normal. If you're at work or home, you should stop your activity, sit quietly in a chair, and relax. Some people get relief faster if they stop what they are doing immediately and sit with their eyes closed until the episode passes. This may also prevent you from developing a headache or experiencing nausea.  

Ocular migraines are never pleasant to experience. Even though many are painless, the strange visual images are frightening and make you feel strange. Although usually benign, they can interfere with the quality of your life. You can discuss medication and treatment options with your doctor. Implementing lifestyle changes and learning your triggers is an important part of your prevention plan. Fortunately, the use of medications and eliminating triggers are both effective in getting rid of these troubling migraines.