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Original poster

Wobbly lines in vision - anyone else get this?

14 replies

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/01/2012 16:04

I used to get something like this when I was pregnant, but am certainly not pregnant now!

Out of the blue it happened at the weekend. It comes on quite quickly and I get these blurry lines in my vision, they seem to start in the middle and can spread. I can see them even if my eyes are shut iyswim. It was quite bad. Usually if I eat something they go, and before anyone recognises me from weight loss threads, I have been losing weight and low carbing for ages but haven't been affected recently. No headache or anything.

So is it connected to low blood sugar? Does anyone have an idea?!

OP posts:

AMumInScotland · 09/01/2012 16:15

It could be a silent migraine - essentially the visual disturbance part of a migraine but without the headache. Like other migraines they can be linked to hormone levels, which could explain getting them while pregnant.

But you probably ought to go to the GP to check whether they think there could be any more worrying reason for them, specially if this is the first time you've had them when not pg. You haven't just changed any medication, like the pill or anything, have you? The instructions with that warn you to watch out for migraines if they're not something you normally get.

VJayJazzle · 09/01/2012 16:26

I would say a migraine too, I've had them like that, just the visual disturbances, and also with the almighty headache too.

Original poster

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/01/2012 16:40

Thank you - no headache and not on the pill, or anything actually. Maybe the doctor then. It was weird.

OP posts:

weetabixforeva · 09/01/2012 18:10

Wet macular degeneration?

Original poster

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/01/2012 18:35

I've just googled that! Bloody hell!

OP posts:

whenwillisleepagain · 09/01/2012 19:01

sounds like occular migraine, which I think is same as silent migraine. I too used to get them while pregnant. I have only had one when not pg, and it was due to dehydration I'm sure. Mentioned them to GP, he said about the hormones but advised seeing a good optician just to check I was definitely ok, which I did.

Lancelottie · 09/01/2012 19:03

Migraine.

It's not macular degeneration. That gives you a static and permanent wibble (well, it spread on a timescale of weeks/months/years) not one that goes away again.

We have every eye problem known to man in this family...

Original poster

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/01/2012 19:59

Lancelottie - lordy, you poor things
Maybe I need to see an optician, but dehydration could well have been it
Many thanks everyone.

OP posts:

BeaOnSea · 09/01/2012 20:06

I got the same thing when I was pregnant with DS1. I had never suffered from migraine before. No headache - just the visual disturbances. Mine tended to start in the corner of one eye and then "sweep" across until it felt like I was looking through the bottom of a glass of water. Most of the time just one eye but sometimes two. I was really annoyed once when I missed the end of a film at the cinema because of that

I also thought they were in some way linked to low blood sugar as I tended to get them if I had not had anything to eat for a few hours.

Once I had DS1 - I literally went 18 years before I experienced them again. I tend to get them now when I am tired and hungry.

It's still worth checking out though with the optician or doctor.

BrigitBigKnickers · 09/01/2012 20:15

Sounds just like the "silent" migraines I, my DD, my dad and my Dsis get.

Usually starts with a crescent shaped wobbly disturbance that moves over from the left to the right in my field of vision (worse in my left eye than the right). This usually last about 20 mins then I am really wiped out for about another two hours- never get a headache.

They are very sporadic- had the first one when I was 25 and have only had four to date (am now 47)

DD gets the same but sometimes feels nausious and has occasionally been sick.

I would mention it to the GP but it really does sound like a silent migraine.

ScatterChasse · 09/01/2012 20:40

I have them too (started when I was 14/15), mine start like a camera flash in the centre of my eye, and then spread out to the edge.

I think they are definitely related to blood sugar (in me at least), I used to do a four hour dance class one morning a week, and if I didn't have a good breakfast I'd get one about 3/4 of the way through.

ScatterChasse · 09/01/2012 20:41

Oh, mine are sporadic too. I'll have two or three within a couple of weeks/months then none for years.

Original poster

RatherBeOnThePiste · 09/01/2012 21:19

when they start you know they need to run their course, they spread certainly and then they go again. Haven't had them for like 10 years or so so it was a blast from the past.

OP posts:

sonsmum · 10/01/2012 08:56

just wanted to add that this sounds like what i have....ie au 'aura', part of a migraine.....I usually had a thumping head after so you are lucky if you don't get the bad head. I found migravele worked (the pink pills) if taken as soon as i noticed the visual disturbance. If not taken, the wavy lines spread and flashed more and headache was worse.
I got them as a teenager quite regularly. Only had a handful of them while an adult, but still carry those pink pills with me just incase!

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