Understanding ocular migraines and protecting one's vision for the long haul

NORTH COUNTY – While many people are familiar with the term "migraine headache," few may have experienced an ocular migraine.

Ocular migraines, sometimes referred to as "eye migraines," are often harmless and may disappear rather quickly.

The organization All About Vision defines ocular migraines as painless, temporary visual disturbances that usually affect one eye. Ocular migraines can be disturbing because of their symptoms. People experiencing ocular migraines may experience scintillations, or bright flashing lights or flickering. Wavy lines surrounding an enlarging blind spot (scotoma) also can occur. Blind spots may start small but quickly grow bigger and move across one's field of vision.

Sometimes an ocular migraine is accompanied by a migraine headache and certain symptoms, such as light sensitivity and nausea, that are associated with migraine headaches. The National Institutes of Health notes that, if an ocular migraine is accompanied by a headache, the pain from the migraine is often located on the same side of the head as the eye that is experiencing the ocular migraine.

Migraines in general are not well understood, and the same can be said for ocular migraines. The causes of ocular migraines are not exactly known, but it is thought to be related to constricted blood vessels in the eye, possibly in the retina.

The Mayo Clinic says that while visual sensations associated with ocular migraines can induce anxiety and interfere with certain activities, the condition usually is not considered serious and can ease up within 20 to 30 minutes. Some people do not even realize their symptoms may be migraine-related because of the lack of associated headache.

Several more serious conditions can cause similar symptoms to the relatively benign ocular migraine. Men and women who frequently experience visual disturbances should consult with an expert who can rule out other ailments. Everything from an embolism to tumors of the eye to optic neuropathy may produce symptoms similar to ocular migraines.

If an ocular migraine is a one-time occurrence, sufferers need not worry. However, any vision problems should be investigated fully to determine if any underlying conditions are present and to safeguard against any long-term vision loss.

How to protect one's vision for the long haul

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eye diseases related to aging are the primary cause of vision impairment in the United States. Many people consider vision loss a natural side effect of aging, but there are ways men and women can protect their vision and reduce their risk of vision loss as they age.

Quit smoking

According to the National Eye Institute, smoking doubles a person's risk for age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in men and women over the age of 50. It causes damage to the macula, which is the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision. If the macula is damaged, vision may be blurry, distorted or dark.

Protect eyes from ultraviolet light

The American Optometric Association notes that UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse effects on a person's vision. A short-term effect of excessive exposure to UV radiation is photokeratitis, a painful condition that can lead to red eyes, extreme sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing. Long-term effects of such exposure include a higher risk of developing cataracts and damage to the retina, which is the part of the eye used for seeing. When spending time outdoors, always wear sunglasses that provide protection against UV-A and UV-B rays.

Maintain a healthy blood pressure

High blood pressure, often referred to as HBP or hypertension, can contribute to vision loss as a person ages. The American Heart Association notes that HBP can strain blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to narrow or bleed. HBP also can cause the optic nerve to swell, compromising a person's vision as a result. Eye damage that results from HBP is cumulative, which means the longer it goes untreated, the more likely the damage to the eye will be permanent. Men and women can maintain a healthy blood pressure by eating right, exercising regularly and sustaining a healthy weight.

Take breaks from work

Computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is a legitimate condition that can develop when a person spends ample time staring at a computer screen. Adults and kids alike are susceptible to CVS, which can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, eye irritation, and headaches. One way to reduce risk of developing CVS is to take frequent breaks from staring at the screen. A handful of 20-second breaks over the course of an hour can help prevent CVS. In addition, it's advised to change lighting in the room where work on a computer to reduce glare on the computer screen.