Bright Vision in Left Eye with Migraine: Eye or Neurology Issue? - Ophthalmology

Share to:

The left eye has a brighter visual sensation, accompanied by symptoms of a migraine?


Hello, this issue has been troubling me for over three months.
Initially, my left eye becomes blurry and unclear when I look to the left at an angle greater than 30 degrees.
I have visited an ophthalmologist and a medical center multiple times, and they all indicated that there are no issues with my eyeball.
I have high myopia, with both eyes at -7.00 diopters and -2.00 diopters of astigmatism, but my vision test results while wearing glasses are normal.
Currently, when I look straight ahead, I feel that my left eye's vision is brighter, and I often feel discomfort, which is somewhat relieved when I slightly cover the light with my palm.
However, over time, this has also caused some mild headaches.
I'm unsure whether I should continue seeing an ophthalmologist or consult a neurologist.

Mr. Wu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/15

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello Mr.
Wu: The perception of brightness can sometimes be related to a stronger prescription.
You might consider reducing your prescription slightly to see if that improves the sensation.
Migraines are not caused by eye issues; if you are experiencing migraines, I recommend consulting a neurologist.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only, and it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Sincerely, Gao Pilin.

Reply Date: 2017/11/15

More Info


Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of visual disturbances in your left eye, including blurriness when looking to the left, a perception of increased brightness, and associated headaches. Given your history of high myopia and astigmatism, it is understandable that you are concerned about these symptoms, especially since they have persisted for over three months.

Firstly, it is important to note that visual disturbances can arise from various causes, and the symptoms you describe may not necessarily be linked to a single issue. The fact that multiple eye examinations have shown no structural problems with your eyes is reassuring, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of underlying neurological issues.
The sensation of increased brightness in one eye, also known as photophobia, can sometimes be related to conditions affecting the retina or the optic nerve. In your case, since you have high myopia, it is possible that changes in the vitreous body or the retina could be contributing to your symptoms. However, the absence of any findings during your eye exams suggests that these may not be the primary cause.

The headaches you are experiencing could be a result of several factors. Migraines can manifest with visual symptoms, including aura, which may include bright spots or changes in vision. The fact that you find relief by shielding your eye from light could indicate that your symptoms are indeed related to migraine rather than a direct eye issue. Migraines can be triggered by various factors, including stress, fatigue, and visual strain, especially from prolonged screen time, which you mentioned has increased due to online classes.

Given these considerations, it would be prudent to consult a neurologist. A neurologist can evaluate your headaches in more detail and determine if they are indeed migraines or if there is another underlying neurological condition that needs to be addressed. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any structural issues in the brain that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In the meantime, there are several strategies you can employ to help manage your symptoms. Reducing screen time, taking regular breaks, and ensuring you are using appropriate lighting while working can help alleviate visual strain. Additionally, keeping a headache diary to track the frequency, duration, and triggers of your headaches can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.

In summary, while your eye examinations have not revealed any significant issues, the combination of visual disturbances and headaches warrants further investigation by a neurologist. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. It is essential to address both your visual and headache symptoms to improve your overall quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Occasional Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello Dr. Lin, recently I've been experiencing a sensation in my left eye near the outer corner that feels like seeing stars (this seems to occur more often when sitting, standing up, or sitting cross-legged). It happens intermittently, sometimes several times a day, and oth...


Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The discomfort in your left eye may require consideration of a retinal issue. However, since you have already consulted an ophthalmologist without any specific findings, the next step would be to consider a possible neurological problem. You have also seen a neurologist, a...

[Read More] Understanding Occasional Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Headaches Accompanied by Eye Pain: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old. A week ago, I noticed that I frequently have headaches on the left side of my head, often accompanied by pain in my left eye and the left side of my occiput. This has persisted until now. I had previously sought medical attention for headaches a y...


Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
It is recommended to first see an ophthalmologist to measure intraocular pressure to assess the possibility of glaucoma. If the headache persists after the examination, please schedule an appointment with a neurologist for a physical examination.

[Read More] Understanding Headaches Accompanied by Eye Pain: Causes and Concerns


Understanding the Connection Between Diplopia, Amblyopia, and Migraines

Hello, Doctor Hsieh: One of my family members has a disparity issue (farsightedness + amblyopia), and she also suffers from migraines. Whenever she experiences a headache, her vision sometimes significantly worsens. Regarding the disparity issue, she has not undergone correction ...


Dr. Xie Wenzhen reply Ophthalmology
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: Generally speaking, you did not mention the age of your family members, so regarding amblyopia, if it has occurred after the age of 10, it is unlikely to be corre...

[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Diplopia, Amblyopia, and Migraines


Is This Eye Symptom Related to Neurology? Understanding Possible Causes

Hello Doctor! My mother (65 years old) has recently experienced a symptom where she sees bright spots on the outer sides of her eyes in completely dark environments (such as a dark room). In reality, there is no light present. She previously visited an ophthalmologist, and since ...


Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
It should be an issue with the eyes (retina?) and is likely unrelated to the brain.

[Read More] Is This Eye Symptom Related to Neurology? Understanding Possible Causes


Related FAQ

Eye

(Neurology)

Visual Disturbance

(Ophthalmology)

Double Vision

(Ophthalmology)

Eye Flashes

(Ophthalmology)

Color Blindness

(Ophthalmology)

Visual Field

(Ophthalmology)

Farsightedness

(Ophthalmology)

Transient Monocular Blindness

(Ophthalmology)

Vision Discrepancy

(Ophthalmology)

Rainbow Vision

(Ophthalmology)