Migraines Are Not Just Headaches

24 July 2025

They are a neurological condition that can have multiple triggers and significantly affect quality of life. One of the lesser-known but very important aspects is their connection to visual health.

Visual Symptoms Related to Migraines

Some people experience what is known as migraine with aura—a phase that occurs before the headache, during which visual symptoms may appear, such as:

• Flashes of light or zigzag lines

• Blurred vision

• Partial loss of the visual field (scotomas)

• A sensation of seeing through water or fog

• Difficulty focusing

These disturbances usually last between 10 and 30 minutes and disappear before the headache begins. However, in some cases, visual symptoms may occur without any pain. This is known as silent migraine or ocular migraine.

What’s the Connection Between Migraines and Visual Health?

Although migraines originate in the brain, vision and the visual system are closely linked to it. Certain visual factors can act as migraine triggers, including:

• Prolonged screen exposure without visual breaks

• Bright or flickering lights

• Visual strain due to uncorrected problems like myopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia

• Wearing incorrect or outdated eyeglasses

• Accumulated eye fatigue

Additionally, people with certain eye conditions may be more likely to experience visual migraines or show symptoms that mimic them.

When Should You See an Ophthalmologist?

If you experience frequent visual disturbances—even without a headache—it’s important to consult an ophthalmologist. Some eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, acute glaucoma, or certain retinal diseases, can cause symptoms similar to a visual migraine but require immediate medical attention.