Migraines and Vision: What's The Connection?

Migraines are intense headaches that can cause severe pain and a range of other symptoms. If you suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating they can be. But did you know that migraines can also affect your vision? The connection between migraines and vision is complex and often misunderstood.

The Link Between Migraines and Vision

The link between migraines and vision is believed to be related to changes in blood flow to the brain and the eyes. During a migraine attack, blood vessels in the brain constrict and then dilate, causing the intense pain associated with migraines. These changes in blood flow can also affect the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to visual disturbances.

Common Eye Issues that Trigger Migraines

There are several eye issues that can trigger migraines in some individuals. These eye issues include:
 

• Refractive errors: Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, can strain the eyes and lead to migraines. When the eyes have difficulty focusing, it can cause eye strain and trigger a migraine attack.
   

• Eye muscle imbalances: Imbalances in the muscles that control eye movement can cause eye strain and contribute to migraines. Conditions such as strabismus or convergence insufficiency can lead to eye muscle imbalances and trigger migraines.
   

• Light sensitivity: Some individuals with migraines are highly sensitive to light, a condition known as photophobia. Exposure to bright or flickering lights can trigger migraines and cause visual disturbances.

If you suffer from migraines and suspect that your eye health may be contributing to your symptoms, it's important to consult with an optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination. They can assess your vision, check for any underlying eye conditions, and provide appropriate treatment options to alleviate your migraines.

How Eye Strain Can Contribute to Migraines

Eye strain occurs when your eyes become tired from intense use. It can result from activities such as reading for long periods, using electronic devices, or doing close-up work. Eye strain can contribute to migraines in several ways.

When your eyes are strained, the muscles around them can become fatigued. This muscle fatigue can lead to tension headaches, which can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. Additionally, eye strain can cause visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or difficulty focusing, which can be accompanied by migraines.

Additionally, prolonged eye strain can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation. Lack of proper sleep has been linked to an increased risk of migraines and can worsen their severity. It's important to take regular breaks during activities that strain your eyes and practice good eye hygiene to reduce the risk of eye strain-induced migraines.

When to See an Optometrist

If you experience migraines, it's essential to consult with an optometrist when:
 

• Visual symptoms are severe or sudden: If you experience sudden or severe visual disturbances during a migraine, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. This can help rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing the visual changes.
   

• Migraines are interfering with daily life: If migraines are significantly impacting your quality of life, it's important to consult with an optometrist. They can assess your eye health, identify any contributing factors, and provide appropriate treatment options to manage your migraines.
   

• You suspect eye issues are triggering your migraines: If you have noticed a correlation between certain eye activities or conditions and your migraines, it's advisable to consult with an optometrist. They can perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine if there are any underlying eye issues contributing to your migraines.

Schedule Your Consultation with City Eyes Optometry Center Today

Migraines and vision are closely connected, with migraines often causing visual disturbances known as migraine aura. Eye strain can contribute to migraines by causing muscle fatigue and visual disturbances. If you experience migraines, it's important to consult with an optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination to identify any underlying eye issues and receive appropriate treatment.

If you suffer from migraines or experience visual disturbances, consult with our optometrist to assess your eye health and receive proper treatment. Visit City Eyes Optometry Center at our office in Sherman Oaks, California, or call (818) 960-1300 to book an appointment today.