Migraine and blurred vision: what happens to your sight

Blurred vision during a migraine is common and usually temporary. It is most often part of a migraine aura: a short disturbance in the part of the brain that processes what you see, which typically lasts 10 to 30 minutes and then clears. Your eyes themselves are usually healthy.

If you have migraine, it is not unusual to have trouble with your eyes or sight. Many people experience blurred vision, temporary blind spots or even the feeling that part of their field of vision has disappeared. These symptoms can be quite frightening, so it helps to know that they are usually temporary.

What visual symptoms can migraine cause?

A migraine attack can affect much more than your head. Common visual symptoms include:

• blurred vision in one or both eyes
• part of your field of vision suddenly disappearing
• flashes of light or seeing stars
• pressure in the head with blurred vision

These symptoms can come before a migraine attack or during the attack itself. They are often called aura symptoms. They usually last 10 to 30 minutes and then go away on their own, but they can be very disruptive while they last.

Why does migraine cause blurred vision?

During an aura, a slow wave of electrical activity moves across the surface of the brain. When it passes through the visual cortex, the area that processes what you see, your vision can become blurred, patchy or flickering. This is a brain process, not a problem with the eyes, which is why it clears once the wave has passed. Aura symptoms usually build up gradually over several minutes, which helps tell them apart from a sudden problem in the eye itself.

Blurred vision is also seen in vestibular migraine, where dizziness and balance problems play a part. In vestibular migraine, visual symptoms such as blurred vision can feel stronger, so an approach tailored to you is important.

What can you do when your vision is blurred during a migraine?

If migraine makes it hard to see clearly, rest and avoid straining your eyes:

• avoid bright light, screens and busy surroundings
• rest in a quiet, dim room until your vision clears
• do not drive or use machinery until you can see normally again
• if a headache follows, take your acute migraine medication at the start of the headache

If blurred vision keeps coming back with your attacks, preventive treatment that reduces the number of migraine attacks may also reduce how often it happens.

Is blurred vision with a headache serious?

Usually not, when it fits your normal migraine pattern and clears completely. But see your GP or an optician promptly if blurred vision affects only one eye, does not go away after the attack, or is new for you. Blurred vision with a headache can occasionally point to something other than migraine.

When to get urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have:

• a sudden, severe headache that reaches its worst within seconds or minutes
• weakness or numbness on one side of your body or face
• slurred speech or difficulty understanding words
• loss of vision that does not come back
• a first ever aura after the age of 50
• a headache with a high temperature and a stiff neck

If you are worried but it is not an emergency, call NHS 111.

Get support with your migraine

At The Migraine Clinic we understand that these symptoms can have a real impact. We listen to your story and look for treatment that fits your symptoms, with a migraine specialist online by video and without a referral.

• Not sure it is migraine? Take the free migraine test.
• Read about preventive medication.
• See how to start.