What is retinal migraine?

A retinal migraine is a rare type of migraine that usually affects just one eye. Some people may experience a headache along with or after symptoms affecting the eye, while others will only have visual symptoms. 

Symptoms of a retinal migraine usually last between 5 minutes and 1 hour.

 The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) notes that someone experiencing a retinal migraine may notice these symptoms in one eye: 

• seeing twinkling lights 
• areas of vision loss or decreased vision
• temporary blindness 
• seeing zigzag patterns or a shimmering C shape

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing constant retinal migraine. They can help determine what treatment method works best for you.

Retinal vs. ocular migraine

The terms retinal migraine and ocular migraine are often used to describe the same thing, but they refer to different conditions. Ocular migraine refers to a broader group of migraine episodes that involve any visual symptoms. A retinal migraine is a type of ocular migraine. 

Causes

There is no clear cause of retinal migraine. Some research suggests that a complex mix of factors, including changes in certain parts of the brain, could cause a retinal migraine. Other research suggests that the narrowing of arteries or veins around the eyes causes migraine. 

Some experts claim changes in the nervous system could cause migraine. Genetics and family history may also play a role in whether you will develop retinal migraine. Still, more research is needed to understand precisely what causes retinal migraine. 

The American Optometric Association suggests that you may be more likely to get these types of migraine if you: 

• are a woman
• are between 30–39 years old 
• have a family history of migraine
• experience other types of migraine

What can trigger a retinal migraine?

Even though the cause of retinal migraine isn’t clear, there are several things that can trigger an attack. It may help you to keep a migraine diary to record when they occur. This can allow you to identify what your triggers are. 

According to the AMF, your retinal migraine can be triggered by:

• stress
• dehydration
• smoking
• high blood pressure
• low blood sugar 
• some types of birth control pills 

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) also suggests that caffeine and alcohol can trigger retinal migraine. 

Medications

There aren’t any clear guidelines on what medications can help with retinal migraine, as treatment for retinal migraine may not be necessary if you don’t experience them often. Avoiding migraine triggers may be enough to help you manage your symptoms. 

But if you are having frequent retinal migraine, a healthcare professional may suggest medication for you to take.

Medication options may include the following: 

• antidepressant medication such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
• medication used to lower blood pressure such as verapamil (Verelan)
• antiseizure medication such as valproic acid (Depakote) or topiramate (Topamax)
• pain relievers like acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) or ibuprofen (Advil)

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional to determine what the best medication may be for you. 

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Lifestyle measures

Keeping a diary of when retinal migraine occurs, can help you identify what your triggers may be. 

Taking some of the following lifestyle measures may also help in reducing migraine:

• avoiding caffeine (found in coffee, black tea, and foods like dark chocolate)
• avoiding alcohol, if applicable 
• if you smoke, consider quitting
• if you have hypertension, consider finding ways to manage high blood pressure

The NHS suggests that you may also be able to prevent migraine by: 

• managing your stress levels
• eating a healthy diet
• eating meals at regular times 
• building regular exercise into your routine
• getting enough sleep
• maintaining a moderate weight 
• drinking plenty of water to ensure you stay hydrated 

Retinal migraine may stop you from doing certain things, like driving, safely. Consider thinking about what activities you may need to avoid if you are experiencing regular retinal migraine.

Diagnosis 

There isn’t a standard test used to diagnose a retinal migraine. A healthcare professional will try to rule out any other causes of your symptoms and will likely take your medical and family history into account. They will use this information to decide whether you are experiencing retinal migraine. 

The International Classification of Headache Disorders says that you will be diagnosed with retinal migraine if: 

• You experience reversible visual symptoms, which are confirmed by examining your eye or by you drawing the visual symptoms you have experienced.
• your symptoms are not a result of another condition or disease
• you must also have attacks fulfilling the criteria for migraine with aura

You must also meet at least two of these three criteria: 

• your eye symptoms spread gradually over at least 5 minutes
• your eye symptoms last for 5 minutes to 1 hour 
• you also experience a headache at the same time as or within 60 minutes of the eye symptoms beginning

A healthcare professional will often decide if you have retinal migraine by ruling out any other conditions or causes of your symptoms. 

When should you speak with a doctor?

Most retinal migraine will pass without causing any lasting effects. But it can help to speak with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing regular retinal migraine. They can help you understand what may be causing your migraine and offer some treatment options.

You may also benefit from an eye exam to check your general eye health and rule out any other underlying issues. Vision loss is a very rare complication of retinal migraine. Seeing an eye specialist is a helpful way to avoid complications. 

Summary 

Retinal migraine is a migraine that affects one eye. It will usually pass within 1 hour with no lasting effects.

If you are experiencing regular retinal migraine, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to explore treatment options. You may also find it helpful to monitor when you are experiencing migraine episodes so that you can avoid triggers like caffeine, alcohol, or smoking. 

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