What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What are migraines? Why they’re so much more than just a headache and how they impact your visual system.
• Migraine aura explained: The fascinating neurological event behind zigzag patterns, blind spots, and flashes of light—and why they happen even without a headache.
• Ocular migraines vs. retinal migraines: What’s the difference, and how do you know when to worry?
• The connection between migraines and eye pain: Why migraines feel like “an ice pick in your eye” and the role of the trigeminal nerve.
• Dry eye and migraines: Surprising links between these two conditions and how treating dry eye may offer relief.

Key Takeaways:

• Ocular migraines often refer to visual disturbances like aura and typically aren’t dangerous, but retinal migraines—affecting vision in only one eye—can signal a more serious issue.
• Eye pain during migraines is tied to the trigeminal nerve, which connects your brain, eyes, and surrounding structures.
• Keeping a migraine diary can help identify triggers like certain foods, dehydration, or bright lights.
• Managing migraines includes lifestyle changes, blue-blocking lenses, and in some cases, medical treatments.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

• Vision loss or changes in only one eye.
• Sudden or severe headaches that feel like a "thunderclap."
• Persistent symptoms that don’t resolve after an hour.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Blue-blocking glasses for light sensitivity
• Artificial tears for dry eye management

American Academy of Ophthalmology for guidelines on migraine-related vision changes

Join the Conversation: Have a question or a topic you’d like covered in future episodes? Send me a message or connect on social media!

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• Instagram: @drrupawong

Website: www.drrupawong.com

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who could benefit from learning more about migraines and eye health. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review—it helps more listeners find the show!

Until next time, take care of those eyes