Anushka Super Speciality Eye Hospital

Ocular Migraine vs Migraine — How to Identify Eye-Related HeadachesManagement

Eye Health

Headaches can be confusing — especially when they come with vision changes like flashes, zig-zag lines, or temporary blindness. Many patients panic, thinking they’re losing vision permanently. At Dr. Anushka’s Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bhiwandi, we meet such patients daily, and the first thing we do is help them understand what’s happening inside their eyes.

One of the most misunderstood conditions is ocular migraine. People often mistake it for a regular migraine, but both conditions affect the body very differently. The right diagnosis matters because sometimes vision-related headaches may signal an eye or retinal problem.

What Is an Ocular Migraine?

Ocular migraine (also called retinal migraine) causes temporary vision disturbances in one eye. Patients say things like:

  • I can see zig-zag patterns.
  • My vision looks broken or shimmering.
  • Half of my vision went black for a few minutes.

These episodes usually last 5–30 minutes and vision returns to normal.

It’s frightening — but most ocular migraines are not dangerous. Still, they need an eye evaluation because similar symptoms can mimic retinal detachment, aura, TIA, or sudden ocular ischemia.

What Is a Regular Migraine?

A traditional migraine is a headache disorder that affects the brain.
Symptoms include:

  • Throbbing headache
  • Nausea
  • Sound/light sensitivity
  • Pain for hours to days

Some migraines come with aura, which includes visual symptoms on both eyes, not just one.

Key Differences: Ocular Migraine vs Migraine With Aura

Feature

Ocular Migraine

Migraine with Aura

Affected Eye

One Eye Only

Both Eyes

Vision Loss

Temporary blackout possible

Light flashes, patterns, no true blackout

Headache

May or may not occur

Headache usually follows

Duration

5–30 mins

20–60 mins

Risk

Can mimic retinal problems

Usually not eye-related

Symptoms That Need an Eye Specialist Immediately

Patients should visit Dr. Anushka’s Super Speciality Eye Hospital immediately if they experience:

  • A curtain-like shadow
  • Sudden increase in floaters
  • Persistent flashing lights
  • Temporary total vision loss
  • Symptoms lasting more than 30 minutes

These could indicate retinal detachment, ocular TIA, or optic nerve issues, not migraine.

How We Diagnose Ocular Migraines at Our Hospital

  • Detailed retinal exam
  • Dilated fundus evaluation
  • OCT retina
  • Blood pressure evaluation
  • Neurological screening if needed

Our NABH-certified setup ensures safe, standardised diagnosis.

Treatment & Prevention

Most ocular migraines improve with:

  • Hydration
  • Sleep regulation
  • Stress management
  • Avoiding triggers like bright screens
  • Eye rest after screen use
  • Avoiding skipped meals

For frequent attacks, a neuro-ophthalmology consultation may be required.

Human Message From Us

Vision symptoms can feel terrifying — especially if it happens suddenly.
At Dr. Anushka’s Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bhiwandi, we reassure patients that you are not alone, and with the right evaluation, you can prevent complications and protect your eyesight.

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