An optical migraine is one of several types of syndromes, often but not always involving severe headaches, that are classified as migraines. Unlike the "standard" migraine, the optical migraine often consists of a variety of visual symptoms including spots, auras or even loss of vision that can persist for as long as half an hour, but the symptoms do not include actual headache pain. In other cases, an optical migraine includes severe pain centered on one eye. The terminology regarding migraines is not always standardized, so some physicians will diagnose an optical migraine based on slightly different symptoms than others, though the International Classification of Headache Disorders, compiled by the International Headache Society, is being used more often in order to standardize migraine definitions.
Other terms used to refer to optical migraines include optic migraines, acephalgic migraines or ophthalmic migraines. Optical migraine symptoms include flashing lights, often appearing in a zig-zag type pattern that moves across the field of vision, or other visual auras such as blurred vision, blind spots, spots throughout the field of vision, loss of vision in one eye or color auras. If a headache occurs, and it often does not in this type of migraine, it usually is centered on one eye. In order to be diagnosed as a migraine, these symptoms must occur on a regular basis over a period of time and not be accounted for by other medical issues.
Visual symptoms can be the result of other problems, including problems that could cause a permanent loss of vision, such as a detached retina or seizure disorders, so it is important to discuss them with a doctor before assuming that they are caused by an optical migraine. After other possibilities have been ruled out, a physician can recommend treatment. Optical migraine treatments vary and can differ from treatments for standard migraines. In some cases, analgesics, rest and isolation in a darkened room can bring about satisfactory results. More severe cases, though, might require medication or other, more aggressive treatment.
Treatment for an optical migraine can include antidepressants, painkillers if headache is involved and vasoconstrictors to constrict blood vessels in the brain that are thought to be related to migraine symptoms. If the migraine becomes a chronic problem, a doctor might recommend preventative treatment, such as avoiding possible triggers or taking mild analgesics on a regular basis to prevent the migraine from developing. The cause of optical migraines is not well understood, so several types of treatment might have to be attempted in order to find one that works for a particular individual.