Headaches or migraines are one of the most common ailments. Often, wearing the right glasses can be the solution to this problem.
So-called "ocular migraines" are a temporary visual disturbance that can affect one or both eyes. Ocular migraines can be painless and appear suddenly. Their symptoms may include:
- Vision of zigzag lines.
- Vision of flashing lights.
- Other visual hallucinations.
- Temporary blind spots.
- Sensitivity to bright light.
- Blurred vision.
- Eye pain.
Sometimes, these visual disturbances precede a painful migraine episode. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, fatigue, and balance problems. Its duration ranges from a few minutes to several days, depending on the type of headache the person experiences.
Many people resort to the quickest solution of taking painkillers, but this is known to be a temporary fix, and migraine or headache episodes will likely return. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of ocular migraine, it is essential to consult an ophthalmologist.
Headaches or migraines associated with myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error that occurs when distant objects appear blurry. Myopia happens because the image focuses too far in front of the retina, either because the cornea, lens, or both are too powerful, or because the eye is longer than normal. The best treatment for myopia is single-vision glasses with diverging lenses.
In this sense, in migraines with aura, a transient visual disturbance usually appears in the same area of the visual field of both eyes, which normally lasts between 20 and 30 minutes and is usually followed by a headache.
What are its causes?
The exact causes are unknown, but migraines can be triggered by various factors, such as diet, hormonal changes, weather changes, stress, lack of sleep, or exposure to flickering lights. Genetics may also play a role, as 70% of migraine sufferers have a family member who has also experienced them. And, undoubtedly, nearsightedness is one of the contributing factors to eye-related headaches.
The best treatment for migraines is prevention, understanding all the contributing factors, such as hormonal changes, sleep and dietary habits, and even others like vision regulation. Consulting a doctor if episodes are recurrent is key, as is visiting an ophthalmologist. Ruling out any underlying eye problems is essential. A simple vision correction could put an end to these episodes.
Recommendations for dealing with an episode of headaches or migraines
At Clínica Nivaria, we want to recommend a series of guidelines to help prevent these episodes. These include:
- If you're doing any activity that requires good vision, you should stop and rest. This allows your eyes and body to relax for a few moments, helping you unwind and avoid further problems.
- Try to dim the light and reduce noise when you feel a migraine coming on.
- If you use electronic devices with screens at work, rest your eyes frequently to avoid eye strain. This could be a trigger for migraines.
- Avoid muscle and neck strain by changing posture often.
- Apply cold to the painful area or massage the scalp.
Our expert team recommends a comprehensive eye exam if you experience frequent episodes of blurred vision to rule out not only untreated myopia but also more complex conditions such as retinal detachment. Put yourself in the best hands and visit us!
