Migraine Affecting Your Eyes? What It Means and What to Check

Seeing flashing lights or strange visual changes on one side does not always mean the problem is coming from one eye.

In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explains the important difference between migraine aura and true retinal migraine and why knowing whether your symptoms affect one eye or both can matter.

You’ll learn:

💡 Why migraine aura comes from the brain, even when the visual change seems to be on just one side

💡 What makes true retinal migraine different, why it is so rare, and why other causes of temporary vision loss need to be ruled out

💡 A simple one-eye-at-a-time test that can help you describe your visual symptoms more clearly to your doctor

When it comes to visual migraine symptoms, one eye versus both eyes can be a very important clue.

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References:

Spreading Depolarization as a Therapeutic Target in Migraine (Harriott & Ayata, 2025): This review examines spreading depolarization as the mechanism of migraine aura and a potential treatment target. Read more here.Current Perspective on Retinal Migraine (Chong et al., 2021): This review covers the diagnosis, mechanisms, and management of retinal migraine. Read more hereRetinal Migraine: Evaluation and Management (Maher & Kingston, 2021): This review emphasizes that retinal migraine is rare and a diagnosis of exclusion. Read more here.Transient Monocular Visual Loss (Amaurosis Fugax): How Does Age Impact Diagnosis? (Douglas et al., 2024): This review explains causes and evaluation of temporary vision loss in one eye. Read more here.Retinal Migraine (International Headache Society): These criteria define fully reversible monocular visual symptoms associated with retinal migraine. Read more hereMigraine With Aura (International Headache Society): These criteria define reversible visual, sensory, language, motor, brainstem, or retinal aura symptoms. Read more here.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.