For Ocular Migraine, Avoid Long Periods of eye Stressing Work
Ocular migraine is a variation of migraine that causes lateralized pain around the eye accompanied by vomiting, nausea and double vision. It is caused by a mechanism similar to classical migraine, that is, by vascular spasm. In case of ocular migraine, the blood supply to the vision center of the brain is affected as opposed to other types in which the spasm affects the surface of the brain.

Ocular migraine generally begins with episodes of visual disturbances in the peripheral vision. The patient sees zigzag lines and shimmering lights which might be semi-circular and jagged. These enlarge and make the ragged area hazy.

Ocular migraine usually begins early in the morning or anytime during the day. It reaches its peak in a matter of few minutes and may last for hours or even days unless treated. It often ceases after sleep.

Causes-
Ocular migraine occurs usually after long periods of reading, computer work, watching TV and other such work which require the eye to concentrate on an object. In certain cases, eye strain due to problems with eyeglasses may cause headache. The tendency of the eyes to drift outwards also causes headaches. Migraines are also believed to be brought in by stress.

Headaches may also cause due to a number of other reasons such as Sinus condition, allergies, hormonal imbalances, hypertension and tumors. Angle-closure glaucoma is an eye disorder that results in intense headaches. Patients suffering from this disorder experience intense pain around the eyes, nausea and blurred vision. Some foods and additives like alcohol, dairy products and chocolate also contribute to the causes of migraine.

Symptoms-
The symptoms for ocular migraine depend on the problem behind it. Since there are so many causes, the symptoms can be defined such as:

* Headache due to eye fatigue
* Headaches that are activated after long periods of watching TV, using computer or reading
* Burning eyes
* Throbbing pain
* Nausea and vomiting
* Fatigue
* Visual “aura” like: zigzag lines, light flashes, blotted vision

Acute angle-closure glaucoma:
* Glare or halos around light.
* Vomiting and nausea.
* Intense headache centralized over brow area.

Treatment:
Ocular migraine can be successfully treated by avoiding triggering factors. Resting in a dark and quite room is helpful for patients. Stress relief, hormone control medicines and control of blood pressure help a lot. Doctors often prescribe new glasses, vision checking or different working lighting.

A simple analgesic like aspirin provides instant relief but in certain cases, extracranial vasoconstrictors or other such drugs becomes necessary. Ergotamine is the drug which is used to treat acute migraines and other side-effects such as nausea, vomiting and cramps successfully. But these drugs must not be consumed very frequently during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Also, a fast-acting agent called Sumatriptan is given under the skin through injection. It is useful in aborting the migraine attacks.

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