Retinal Migraine

By sarahace

1 min read

I have managed to reduce the occurrence of this form of migraine greatly by - avoiding mirrors and other reflective surfaces - it is particularly when either a very bright light or the sun, for example, reflect only for a moment sometimes and I catch this at a sort of slanted angle into my eyes then instantly leading to RM. Particularly difficult at some times of the year when using the car and looking into the little mirror in the middle of the windscreen which can reflect others headlights or the sun. Has anyone else found this as a trigger? Love Sara

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Allyson.Ellis Community Admin
Hi Sara, thank you for reaching out! I hear how much you endure living with retinal migraine. It can be so challenging to avoid bright light triggers! You are not alone experiencing that as a migraine trigger. While this article is not specific to retinal migraine, I thought you might find it of interest and to resonate with your experience: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/driving-migraine-trigger' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/driving-migraine-trigger/</a> How are you feeling today? Please keep us posted on how you are managing. Wishing you a gentle afternoon. ~Allyson (Migraine.com team)
glassmind Member
Hi Sara! Oh, shiny things! Lol I have different migraines, but do find reflective surfaces troubling in advance of and during an attack. I have found blue-blocking glasses helpful in normal brightness conditions, and polarized sunglasses in brighter conditions. Polarized clear glasses are available and perhaps these will help you as they reduce glare. I have yet to try these as it is the spectrum more than the shine that troubles me, but your story has motivated me to consider this option. The rear view mirror in my car is troubling also for me. Mine can be tilted for night driving "mode" and I often use it this way on bright sunny days as the sharp glare of other cars, etc is bothersome. Clear, polarizing film is available which perhaps you could cut down and apply to this mirror if using the night tilt is too darkening? I do hope you are able to find some accommodations to mitigate this trigger. And do let us know what if anything works. Light trigger mitigation is a common concern with Migraine. Thanks again for sharing. The more we share the greater is awareness and camaraderie! Air hugs
dinamay Member
Yes! One of my most aggravating triggers because it’s so hard to avoid. Just a quick glance out a window sometimes and a reflection of the sun off a car’s windshield and kapok! Migraine! Or a reflection of a ceiling light in my own wristwatch, etc, etc. bummer!
valerir Member
Hi Sara, I noticed this happening to me yesterday. Walked over to a window and the sun hit my eye and I felt sharp, stabbing pain in my eye/head. I recoiled and it stopped in a few seconds. I've experienced sun in sideview or rearview mirror, but it had never caused this pain. The light definitely was starting to trigger a migraine. I had Lasix years ago and sometimes wonder if that made me susceptible to migraines. Thanks for sharing your story, Val