Ocular migraine (migraine with visual aura)

What it is

An ocular migraine is a type of migraine aura that affects your vision. It usually causes spreading visual patterns in both eyes that build up and then fade, typically over 20 to 60 minutes. It is generally harmless and the vision returns to normal afterwards.

Common symptoms

Visual symptoms usually develop gradually and then settle.

• Flickering or shimmering zigzag lines
• A blind spot or patch that may slowly enlarge
• Bright or coloured shapes in the vision
• Symptoms lasting up to about an hour, sometimes followed by a headache

Causes and triggers

Ocular migraine is caused by temporary changes in the brain's visual pathways. Common triggers include stress, tiredness, missed meals, dehydration, certain foods, bright lights, and hormonal changes.

When to seek urgent care and management

Seek urgent assessment if you have sudden lasting vision loss, especially in one eye, vision changes that do not fully recover, or symptoms alongside weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or a different, severe headache, as these can signal a more serious problem. Otherwise, managing triggers and following migraine treatment advice usually helps.