Ocular migraine is a rare type of migraine that can cause visual disturbances along with headaches. During a migraine episode, one may experience visual symptoms like flashes of lights, zig-zag lines, or shimmering stars. Other warning signs include blind spots and temporary vision loss in one eye. In most cases, the visual symptoms last for about an hour. Identifying the causes of ocular migraines can help with accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, preventing long-term consequences.

Hormonal changes
Sudden changes and swings in the body’s hormonal levels can trigger ocular migraines. Certain studies indicate that a drop in estrogen levels can trigger an ocular migraine episode. Such changes in estrogen levels usually happen in women during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. So, in such scenarios, they are at a higher risk of experiencing ocular migraine symptoms.

Stress
Stress is another health condition linked to ocular migraines. Other psychological factors like anxiety can also increase stress, causing migraine episodes. In some cases, ocular migraines can also increase an individual’s stress level, which can further worsen their risk of triggering migraine. People who experience migraine episodes due to stress must practice stress management activities like relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga.

Dehydration
Lack of proper hydration is one of the most common causes of migraine episodes, including ocular migraines. In fact, individuals who often have migraine episodes are at a higher risk of having their migraines triggered by even slight dehydration. When a person doesn’t drink enough water, their blood vessels narrow, affecting blood flow to the brain and causing an ocular migraine episode. To avoid this, one should stay hydrated by increasing fluid intake, especially water.

Caffeine
Caffeine can be at two extreme possibilities of triggering ocular migraines. In some cases, individuals who drink high amounts of coffee may experience migraine symptoms getting triggered by it. In other cases, drinking coffee helps some people manage their symptoms. Caffeine can help with some symptoms by constricting blood vessels in the brain and lowering inflammation levels. However, it is also a diuretic, meaning it can cause dehydration, which is another migraine trigger. One way to manage this trigger is by consuming it in moderation. Besides, one must also watch out for any changes in their migraine episodes due to reducing or continuing caffeine intake.

Food choices
Many food items are known to cause ocular migraine symptoms. Aged cheese and processed meat are the two main foods on the list. Alongside these, foods with nitrates, such as cured meats and processed foods, have also been linked to triggering this condition. Foods with high amounts of added salt, artificial sweeteners, and foods with monosodium glutamate have also been found to trigger ocular migraines. So, if one has this condition, one must avoid or limit the intake of these food items. It helps if one maintains a journal where one can keep a record of their daily food intake. This way, whenever they experience a migraine episode, they can find out if it is caused by any food they eat daily.

Changes in air pressure
Changes in altitude and air pressure can trigger ocular migraine. For instance, when one travels to hilly regions or similar high-altitude areas, one may experience a change in air pressure. This also happens when traveling on flights. Such environmental factors have been found to trigger ocular migraine symptoms.

High blood pressure
High blood pressure can strain the blood vessels in the brain and eyes, leading to reduced blood flow and visual disturbances. So, people with high blood pressure are at a higher risk of experiencing a migraine episode. 

Visual triggers
Several visual factors can also trigger ocular migraines. Some of these include spending a long time before the screen, driving for longer periods, and other similar activities that can strain the eyes. Sudden, uncomfortable visual changes, such as flickering lights, fluorescent lights, or extremely bright lights, can also trigger ocular migraines.

Low blood sugar
A drop in the level of blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia, can also trigger ocular migraines.

Changes in weather or temperature
In some cases, weather changes can also trigger ocular migraine symptoms. Some weather fluctuations, such as storms, can also cause changes in air pressure, triggering migraines. An increase in temperature is also a known trigger for ocular migraines.

Auditory triggers
Sudden auditory changes, such as loud sounds, can also trigger ocular migraines.

Olfactory triggers
Along with disturbing sounds and visions, certain smells have also been identified to cause ocular migraines. Common triggers include perfume, cleaning products, car exhaust, and scented candles.

Irregular sleep patterns
Lack of proper sleep has also been known to trigger ocular migraines.  But, irregular sleep patterns refer  not only  to a lack of sleep  but also  excessive sleep.  In some cases, too much sleep has also been associated with triggering migraines.

Genetic factors
Certain studies have found that a family history of ocular migraines increases an individual’s chances of getting the condition.