The Link Between Migraines and Glaucoma

While there have been astounding advancements in eye health in recent decades, we’re still learning more about the complex structures of the eye and how they interact with the brain and other parts of the body. 

That includes understanding the link between migraines and glaucoma. Today, Daniel Tepper, MD, and his team at Wicker Park Eye Center in Chicago, Illinois, discuss the link between these conditions and how you can protect your eye health for years to come.  

Migraines can cause visual disturbances

The term migraine refers to a collection of neurological symptoms, one of the most pronounced of which is a throbbing headache. This pain is usually on only one side of the head and can last for hours.

Migraines can often worsen with exposure to bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells. Physical activity can also make a migraine worse. For most people, a migraine is incredibly disruptive, preventing them from fully engaging in everyday activities. 

Migraines are also known to create visual disturbances, including:

• Temporary vision loss
• Shimmering lights
• Blind spots
• Zigzag patterns
• Floating lines
• Flickering lights

These vision changes are temporary and fade as the migraine lessens. Because migraines so often bring on vision changes, people seeking migraine care are often referred to an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye exam. 

Glaucoma often causes headaches and vision disturbances

Glaucoma is a collection of eye health issues that develop when the pressure in your eyes builds up beyond healthy levels. Over time, this pressure can damage your optic nerve, a critical part of healthy vision. 

Most people with glaucoma experience a gradual worsening of symptoms. One type of glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, can develop suddenly.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss in people under 60. But with early intervention, it’s possible to slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision for as long as possible. 

How are glaucoma and migraines linked?

People with glaucoma have a higher rate of migraines than the general population. 

Researchers have looked into the ways that vascular malfunction affects glaucoma and migraines. It’s possible that a lack of adequate blood flow could cause or contribute to both conditions, although blood flow may not be a primary factor. 

More recent research suggests that certain neuropeptides, specifically calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), may be a more impactful factor in developing migraines. Treatments that normalize the levels of this neuropeptide show promise in reducing migraines. 

We may not fully understand the links between glaucoma and migraines, but it’s clear that people who suffer from migraines often experience glaucoma. 

We advise migraine sufferers to work with an ophthalmologist such as Dr. Tepper for comprehensive eye screenings and early intervention if glaucoma or other eye health issues are detected. 

Concerned about migraine-induced vision changes?

If you’re worried about how migraines might affect your eyes, the team at Wicker Park Eye Center is happy to meet with you to assess your current eye health and vision. We can track any changes that develop over time and step in with early treatment, as needed. 

Call our office or schedule an appointment online today.