Definition: Ophthalmic migraine is a condition characterized by visual disturbances with or without a headache. An ophthalmic migraine may produce a variety of visual symptoms, including flashes of light, zig-zag or jagged lines, and an enlarging blind spot. One eye is affected, and visual disturbances commonly last from 10 to 30 minutes.
There are numerous hypotheses for what causes ophthalmic migraine, including changes in blood flow to the part of the brain that controls vision.
Although sometimes frightening, ophthalmic migraines are usually harmless, with vision typically returning to normal.
Also Known As: ocular migraine, eye migraine
