Ocular migraine

[SereneGoose]

Hi All,

I've had, what i think are termed, ocular migraines for years but haven't actually spoken to gp or any health professional about them.
But, they are increasing in frequency and intensity. Is it worth taking time up at busy gp surgery? They pass fairly quickly and other than being disconcerting don't really bother me. (I don't drive)...but think it's maybe more serious than I've had in the past.
Any advice gratefully received.

I started getting ocular migraines when I was a child. I had them for years and then went through a long spell of not having any. Then in the past few years i've started getting them again relatively frequently but nothing like as severe as previously.
I know the triggers for my recent migraines. Stress is the main one. Also fried food and coffee.
Have you been able to identify anything which triggers yours? If you haven't then I think it's definitely worth seeing you GP to rule out more serious causes.

Thank you...i was wondering about starting a wee log to monitor.

They are so weird really aren't they?

I always describe them as having a tiny kaleidescope on my eye.

I’ve had just a few starting around peri / menopause. Usually a long day, not drinking enough and bright electric lights. Very disconcerting when travelling on the tube / walking along the street. Luckily I’ve never had one when driving.

I spoke to my optician and he was very reassuring.

It will also be worth speaking to the GP so that they're aware in case of any other health problems or medication

E.g. (obviously, may not be relevant to you) women with ocular migraines are advised not to take combined hormone contraceptive pill.

I’ve had them for years too - mine is like a spinning daisy as on a computer buffering. Starts in one eye, lasts about 20 mins then moves across to the other. Sometimes light flashes too.
I’munder the care of ophalmology dept at local hospital for a different issue, and they are unconcerned about the migraines.

I think your optician might be a better bet than your GP if you are worried - they have all the equipment, including OCT to examine your retina and optic nerve, which GPs don’t have.

Edited to clarify

I’ve been having them for years but they do tend to cluster , I’ve got no discernible triggers at all .

I think opticians where they can look in your eyes and do a scan are much better than a GP.

If they have concerns, they will refer you back to GP.

Mine stopped when I left a job that involved bright overhead lights as well as several screens. I think it was too much for my eyes (and my brain)

Thank you all...i think I will go see an optician!

That’s exactly what they are like