Ocular migraines, or ocular headaches, occur in only a small percentage of people. If you have severe headaches that follow or precede problems with your vision, you may be experiencing an ocular migraine. Consulting with one of the eye doctors in Canonsburg PA may help you determine the cause of your vision problems. Following is some information about the different types of ocular headaches and some common treatments.
There are two types of ocular migraines. The first is referred to in the medical community as a migraine aura. These types of migraines cause you to not be able to see normally for a period of time in both of your eyes. A migraine aura is generally accompanied by symptoms such as seeing flashing lights, having blind spots, or seeing stars. People who experience these symptoms often get a migraine headache, either before or after the symptoms occur. The symptoms of a migraine aura will go away after a period of time and do not indicate a serious problem. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a migraine aura, you may want to contact one of the eye doctors in Canonsburg PA to rule out other eye problems.
Another type of ocular migraine is called a retinal migraine. This type of migraine occurs in a very small percentage of the population. Unlike a migraine aura, a retinal migraine is an indication of a more serious problem. One telling symptom of a retinal migraine is blurred vision or loss of vision in only one eye. The vision loss is only temporary. Generally, a migraine comes before or after the temporary loss of vision. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you consult one of the eye doctors in Canonsburg PA to rule out any other serious eye problems. Sometimes, a retinal migraine is painless. Even if the only symptom you are experiencing is the temporary vision loss in one eye, it is important to get an eye exam.
With either type of ocular migraine, there are certain things you can do to alleviate the pain and other symptoms. When you are experiencing an ocular migraine, avoid activities that may strain your eyes, like reading or working on your computer. You may want to lie down in a dark room and rest your eyes for fifteen or twenty minutes or massage your temples and back of your neck. Taking pain medication may help to lessen any accompanying pain. Consult one of the eye doctors in Canonsburg PA for more suggestions on how to alleviate ocular migraine symptoms.