What Causes Ocular Migraines?

Ocular migraines are a type of migraine that causes vision changes such as small blind spots, vision loss, flashes of light, zig-zag lines, or seeing stars. The cause of ocular migraines is unknown, but may be caused by abnormal brain activity. Risk factors include genetics and hormones.

An ocular migraine is a subtype of migraine characterized by vision changes including small blind spots, vision loss, flashes of light, zig-zag lines, or seeing stars. Unlike other types of migraine, ocular migraines are not always accompanied by head pain.

Ocular migraine is a term also used to refer to a retinal migraine, a form of migraine in which visual disturbances occur in just one eye before the headache phase of a migraine attack. 

It is unknown what causes ocular migraines, but it is thought that migraine auras are a result of abnormal electrical activity involving the outer surface (cortex) of the brain. 

Risk factors for migraines include: 

• Genetics
• Hormones

Triggers for ocular migraine may include: 

• Visual triggers
  • Extensive time spent staring at a screen
  • Driving long distances 
  • Fluorescent or other harsh lighting 
  • Bright or flickering lights
  • Taxing visual activities 
• Certain food products and food additives 
  • Dairy products
  • Nuts
  • Chocolate
  • Caffeine
  • Alcoholic beverages (especially red wine)
  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • Processed meat containing nitrates
  • Aged or smoked cheese
  • Pickled products
  • Onions
  • Avocados
  • Artificial sweeteners
• Cigarette smoke
• Perfume
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Low blood sugar
• High altitude