Ocular Migraine and Visual Aura: Zigzag Lights, Blind Spots, and When to Worry
Shimmering zigzags or a blind spot that spreads and fades over 20 to 30 minutes is often a migraine aura. Here's what's typical, and which vision changes are an emergency.
An "ocular migraine" usually means a migraine aura: shimmering zigzag lines, flashing lights or a blind spot that spreads across your vision over several minutes and fades within about an hour, in both eyes, with or without a headache afterward. It's frightening but usually harmless. Vision loss in only one eye, a first-ever aura after age 50, or vision changes with weakness, numbness or trouble speaking need to be checked right away, because they can be signs of a stroke or a problem with the eye's blood supply.
What a migraine aura looks like
- A small flickering spot that grows into a shimmering, zigzag or crescent shape
- Flashing or sparkling lights
- A blind spot or blurred patch
- Seen in both eyes, even with one eye closed
- Builds over 5 to 20 minutes and lasts less than an hour
- Often followed by a headache, though not always
Some people also have tingling in the hand or face, or trouble finding words, during an aura.
"Ocular" vs. "retinal" migraine
The term is used loosely. A retinal migraine is rarer and affects only one eye. Because one-eye vision loss can also come from a blocked blood vessel or retinal detachment, it should always be checked.
Common triggers
- Stress, or the let-down after stress
- Lack of sleep, or oversleeping
- Skipped meals or dehydration, including at altitude
- Bright or flickering light, long screen time
- Hormone changes
- Certain foods and alcohol
What helps
- Stop driving or using machinery, and rest in a dim, quiet place until it passes
- Take your usual migraine medicine at the first sign of headache
- Drink water and eat if you've skipped a meal
- Keep a diary to find your triggers
Frequent auras or migraines are worth discussing with a primary care provider about preventive treatment. Our post on migraine that won't quit covers what urgent care can do for a bad migraine.
When to get seen
Come in for a migraine you can't control at home, or aura that's new for you and has fully passed. At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See our headaches and migraines page and the cost and insurance page.
Call 911 or go to the ER if vision loss is in one eye only, lasts more than an hour, or comes with weakness, numbness, face drooping, confusion or trouble speaking; if it's your first aura after age 50; if you see a sudden shower of floaters or a curtain over your vision; or if you have "the worst headache of your life" or a headache with a stiff neck and fever.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.