Ocular Migraines

information on nutrtional recommendations & self-help

Debilitating ocular migraines can really ruin your day. Stress and certain foods can sometimes bring on these headaches.

See information about:

See self-help for migraines
See nutritional recommendations

There are two 'classes' of headaches - those that result from:

overtiredness, especially in conjunction with computer eye syndrome, and
migraines.

An Ocular Migraine is a common problem that is a variation of a migraine. It is believed to be caused by the same mechanism as classical migraine; vascular spasm. Instead of the spasm affecting the surface of the brain, these episodes affect the ocular blood supply or the blood supply to the vision center in the brain.

These episodes typically begin with a visual disturbance that begins in the peripheral vision, and often consists of a semi-circular, jagged, shimmering light, which enlarges and becomes more central. This disturbance usually obscures the vision within the jagged area. The light is often described a pale pastel in color.

Typically, the visual disturbance lasts 15 - 20 minutes and then disappears. A mild headache may or may not follow the disturbance. Many ocular migraine sufferers complain only of fatigue after the visual disturbance.

Symptoms

The symptoms from migraines can be extremely variable and depend on the underlying problem. Because of the scope of the various types and causes is so immense, the following the headaches are described with the typical symptoms as they relate to the eye.

Headaches related to eye fatigue:

Headaches that begin after an extended period of reading, computer use, watching television, or close work
Burning eyes
Fatigue
Migraines
Throbbing pain
Sensitivity to light and sound
Nausea and vomiting
Visual "aura" including: light flashes, jagged lights, missing areas of vision

Acute angle-closure glaucoma:

Intense headache that is usually centralized over brow area
Nausea and vomiting
Glare or haloes around lights

Nutritional Supplements for Ocular Migraines

These are the most important supplements and recommendations for ocular migraines.

Shopping Tips

On a tight budget?

Here's our single most important recommendation:
Doctor's Choice: ReVision Formula - Revision Formula is based on a classic Chinese medicine Liver tonic formulation for overall eye health. The Liver (meridian) in Chinese medicine also helps strengthen overall circulation & movement of energy throughout the body.

Essential: ReVision Formula - Revision Formula is based on a classic Chinese medicine Liver tonic formulation for overall eye health. The Liver (meridian) in Chinese medicine also helps strengthen overall circulation & movement of energy throughout the body.

Essential: Milk Thistle Seed 2 oz - Milk Thistle Seed 2 oz - Carefully dried, naturally or organically grown. There is NO fumigation, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, or irradiation.

Helpful: Serraflazyme (Serrapeptase) - Serraflazyme 100 tabs

Causes of Migrianes

In many cases, migraines are believed to be brought on by stress. This "Friday night" headache often follows the stress relief of a frenetic week during which the blood vessels in the head relax and constrict. Eye-related headaches typically occur after extended periods of reading, watching television, computer work, or other close work that requires intense concentration. This type of headache usually disappears after a period of rest. In some cases, headaches may be caused by eyestrain related to eyeglasses. A tendency for the eyes to cross or drift outward may also bring on headaches.

Headaches may occur for any number of other reasons including sinus conditions, hypertension, allergies, tumors or hormonal changes. They are not usually associated with problems related to the eyes.

One eye problem known to cause an intense headache is angle-closure glaucoma. With this type of glaucoma, the headache is only part of the problem. Patients suffering from an angle-closure attack also may experience nausea, intense pain around the eye, blurred vision, and haloes around lights.

Certain foods and additives such as chocolate, alcohol, dairy, and MSG are also attributed to migraines. You may notice for example, that if you eat a lot of cheese or other likely food for several consecutive days that a migraine results. However, for many, the cause is variable and extremely difficult to pinpoint.

Conventional Treatment

Your doctor will routinely obtain a complete history and perform a thorough physical exam to rule out systemic causes of the headache. Your ophthalmologist will verify that no eye-related problems are bringing on the headache.

Stress relief, control of blood pressure, or medication to maintain appropriate hormonal levels may be necessary. New glasses or different work lighting may be prescribed by your doctor

If you have persistent headaches, it is important to consult your medical doctor about them for a medical evaluation.

Self Help for Ocular Migraines

Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:

Diet

Pay attention to what you eat keep a log of foods that are suspect: cheeses, dairy, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and possible allergens; tomato sauces and spicy foods for some people.
Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin like Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
Caffeine and sodas can be a problem, avoid aspartame (ie, diet foods)
Trans-fats and man-made fats can be problematic, interferring with proper digestion, contributing to blood circulation problems and more. Avoid corn oil and safflower oil and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil and especially margarine.
Eliminate deep fat fried foods
Avoid, monosodium glutanate (MSG) which is used as flavoring, but which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24)
Avoid fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22).
Limit your alcohol consumption to a single glass of red wine daily. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, and lowers protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).

Lifestyle

Try Yoga for the Eyes with this new DVD from Dr. Grossman and Danial Orlansky.
Do eye exercises if you do a lot of close-up work, such as using the computer for long periods of time. Try a couple of minutes of eye relaxing exercises for each hour of near work.
Manage your emotional health - very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, of being alone, etc.) is at the root of many problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, walks in the woods or prayer on a daily basis to bring more balance to your life.
Eliminate smoking. Smoking creates cyanide, a retinal toxin.
Check on the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription) that you are taking. Consult with your doctor to make sure that none of your medications are interferring with each other.

Finally, acupuncture is worth considering.