Can eye migraines lead to permanent damage?
January 20, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ammelie Niemeyer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to you because in the past few months I have been experiencing an increase in ocular migraines and I am very concerned about my eye health. The attacks are usually unilateral and are accompanied by severe headaches, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances. I have tried various painkillers, but unfortunately they only provide limited relief.
I am wondering if these ocular migraines could potentially lead to permanent damage to my eyes in the long term. I have heard that repeated migraine attacks can damage the retina or increase the risk of glaucoma. Since I work a lot on the computer and therefore my eyes are already under a lot of strain, I am particularly worried about possible long-term damage.
Are there specific methods of examination to detect possible damage early? And what treatment options are available to me to alleviate the ocular migraines and prevent damage? I would greatly appreciate your assessment and recommendations to protect my eye health in the long term.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Zofia Hahn
Dear Mrs. Hahn,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ophthalmologist. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from eye migraines and are concerned about your eye health.
Eye migraine, also known as ophthalmic migraine, is a specific form of migraine where the symptoms mainly affect the eyes. The attacks can be unilateral and accompanied by severe headaches, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. It is important to know that eye migraines usually do not cause permanent damage to the eyes. It is a temporary disorder that typically resolves on its own after some time.
However, it is understandable that you are worried, especially since you work a lot on the computer and your eyes are already under a lot of strain. There are various examination methods to detect possible damage early. A thorough eye examination, including an examination of the eye fundus, can provide information about any changes. Additionally, special tests such as visual field examinations or optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be performed to more precisely assess the condition of the retina.
In terms of treating eye migraines, there are various ways to alleviate symptoms and prevent damage. In addition to taking pain medication, relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce migraine attacks. In some cases, avoiding trigger factors such as stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes may also be helpful.
It is important that you undergo regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist to protect your eye health in the long term. Your ophthalmologist can provide you with individual recommendations and develop a suitable treatment strategy to alleviate your symptoms.
I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any further questions or would like personal advice, I am happy to assist.
Sincerely,
Ammelie Niemeyer
