How to Treat an Ocular Migraine

Ocular migraines can be alarming, especially when they cause sudden visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, or temporary vision loss. While these symptoms are usually short-lived and not dangerous, they can interfere with daily life and may signal underlying vision or lifestyle issues. Understanding how to manage ocular migraines is key to protecting both your eye health and overall well-being.

What Is an Ocular Migraine?

An ocular migraine typically affects vision in one eye and may or may not be accompanied by a headache. Symptoms often last between 10 and 60 minutes and usually resolve on their own. Triggers can vary from person to person and may include stress, screen overuse, eye strain, poor lighting, dehydration, lack of sleep, or outdated vision prescriptions. While occasional ocular migraines are common, frequent episodes should never be ignored.

Update Your Prescription

An outdated or incorrect glasses or contact lens prescription can force your eyes to work harder than they should, leading to eye strain and triggering ocular migraines. Even small prescription changes can make a significant difference in visual comfort.

If you’ve noticed an increase in visual disturbances, headaches, or eye fatigue, it may be time to update your prescription. Clear, comfortable vision plays a critical role in migraine prevention.

Make Sure You Have the Right Lenses

Not all lenses are created equal. Specialized lenses - such as blue light–filtering lenses, anti-reflective coatings, or lenses designed for extended screen use - can help reduce glare and eye strain. For patients who spend long hours on computers, tablets, or smartphones, the right lens technology can significantly lower the risk of ocular migraines. Your optometrist can recommend lenses tailored to your lifestyle, work habits, and visual needs.

Practice Healthy Screen Time Habits

Extended screen use is one of the most common modern triggers for ocular migraines. Practicing healthy screen habits can go a long way in prevention. This includes taking regular breaks, maintaining proper posture, ensuring adequate lighting, and keeping screens at a comfortable distance.

Simple habits like following the 20-20-20 rule - looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes - can reduce eye strain and help protect your vision.

Keep Up With Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams

Annual comprehensive eye exams are one of the most effective ways to manage and prevent ocular migraines. These exams do more than check your vision - they assess overall eye health, detect early signs of eye disease, and identify visual issues that may be contributing to migraines. Regular exams allow your optometrist to monitor changes in your eyes, update your prescription as needed, and recommend personalized solutions to reduce migraine triggers.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If ocular migraines are frequent, worsening, or accompanied by severe pain or vision loss, it’s important to seek professional care promptly. What feels like a migraine could sometimes be related to other eye or neurological conditions that require evaluation.

Find Relief for Eye Strain and Visual Discomfort

While ocular migraines can be disruptive, they are often manageable with the right care and preventive strategies. Updating your prescription, choosing the correct lenses, practicing healthy screen habits, and maintaining annual comprehensive eye exams can all play a major role in reducing episodes and protecting your vision.

If you’re experiencing visual disturbances, eye strain, or symptoms of ocular migraines, Burbank Family Optometry is here to help. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam to ensure your prescription is up to date, your lenses meet your needs, and your eyes stay healthy for years to come. Visit our office in Burbank, California, or call (747) 323-4500 to book an appointment today.