Glaucoma-Specialist.com

Mr P.H. Galloway, FRCOphth; Mr C. Burnett, FRCOphth; Eye Surgery in Yorkshire

Ocular migraine

Visual symptoms include flashes and zig-zag lines, that last for 10-30 minutes. Field defects may occur. There are many suggested trigger factors for migraine:

• stress
• pre-menstrual changes
• alcohol
• oral contraceptives
• red wine
• chocolate
• cheese (especially mature cheeses)
• monosodium glutamate
• milk
• chicken liver
• meats preserved with nitrates
• exposue to bright sunlight

Treatment
• avoid the precipitating factor
• rest in darkened room during an attack
• aspirin is an excellent first-line medication
• sumatriptan is available in an injectable form (avoid in pregnancy)
• if more than 2-3 episodes a month, preventative treatment may be considered
 
migraine visual experience as drawn by patient
Migraine: as drawn by a patient