The term "ocular migraine" can be confusing. It's sometimes used to refer to two different conditions, one of which usually isn't cause for concern, and the other which might have more-serious complications.

 

What is it?

Migraine aura involving your vision

In some cases, "ocular migraine" describes a migraine aura that involves your vision. Migraine auras include a variety of sensations — often visual, but which also may include other sensations, such as numbness — that precede or accompany a migraine. Aura can sometimes occur without an associated headache.

Symptoms

A migraine aura that affects your vision is common. Visual symptoms are short-lasting. A migraine aura involving your vision will affect both eyes, and you may see:

  • Flashes of light
  • Zigzagging patterns
  • Blind spots
  • Shimmering spots or stars

These symptoms can temporarily interfere with certain activities such as reading or driving, but the condition usually isn't considered serious.

Retinal migraine

Sometimes, the term "ocular migraine" is used as a synonym for the medical term "retinal migraine." A retinal migraine is a rare condition occurring in a person who has experienced other symptoms of migraine. Retinal migraine involves repeated bouts of short-lasting, diminished vision or blindness. This may precede or accompany a headache.

A retinal migraine — unlike a migraine aura affecting vision — will affect only one eye, not both. Most often, loss of vision in one eye isn't related to migraine. It's generally caused by some other more serious condition. So if you experience visual loss in one eye, be sure to see an eye specialist.

What causes it?

Some experts believe the problem is related to spasms in blood vessels of the retina, the lining at the back of the eye. Others think that changes in the nerve cells of the retina are related to the problem.

Treatment 

Ocular migraines usually go away on their own within 30 minutes, so most people don’t need treatment for them.

References

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/ocular-migraine-basics

http://www.healthline.com/health/causes-of-ocular-migraines#Causes1

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/ocular-migraine.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/expert-answers/ocular-migraine/faq-20058113