Migraines are a special type of headache that are suspected to happen due to changes in the blood flow to the brain because of vascular contractions. Visual migraines, also known as opthalmic migraines or ocular migraines, are a class of migraine that affects the vision and are thought to happen when the blood flow changes affect the visual cortex in the brain. Though the word migraine conjures images of severe headaches and pain, visual migraines can actually be painless, though they by no means are always so. As with other migraines, visual migraines can be triggered by a variety of triggers.
The symptoms of a visual migraine are variable, but they typified by disturbance in vision. They are often reported as beginning with a small blind spot that begins to enlarge, followed often by flickering lights (called scintillations) and/or a flickering zig-zagging line (known as metamorphopsia). Generally the vision is disturbed beginning in the peripheral vision, but the vision within the expanding zig-zag is often disturbed. Frequently, the quality of the light in the troubled area is described as being pale and pastel. The symptoms often occur suddenly and without warning.
The entire experience often lasts between 15 minutes and half an hour, but can be as brief as a couple of minutes. Mostly these are painless experiences with no lasting damage occuring, but any unusual symptoms should be discussed with a doctor, particularly if the symptoms become problematic in every day life or begin occuring more and more often. If vision is essential for safety, when the visual migraine begins, stay still until the symptoms pass. As the visual migraines are rarely associated with vision problems, it may be advisable to being the search for the cause of the problems with a neurologist as opposed to an ophthalmologist. The doctor will likely want to do a full work up and rule out other systemic causes of the migraines before investigating the cause of the migraines themselves.
Diagnosing and treating visual migraines is very difficult, as the mechanisms that cause the migraines are not very well understood. Also, there are many things that are suspected to trigger these occurrences. Several of the major triggers include extended strain to the eyes (such as computer use, tv watching, or reading – especially by low light), high stress, and fatigue. However, they may also be brought on by headaches, hypertension, allergies, or alteration of hormone levels. Though mostly visual problems are not associated with having visual migraines, they have been linked to angle-closure glaucoma. It is also possible that chemicals in food and drink brings on the migraines. The most common of these are chocolate, alcohol, dairy products and food with MSG in it. Food and drink triggers are difficult to pinpoint, though it is possible on a personal basis to note the occurrence of the visual migraine following the ingestion of a certain food or drink on a regular basis.

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