This guide is general information, not medical advice. Medicines and treatments must be prescribed or recommended for you by a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give doses here.
Related guides: Migraine with aura, Aura without headache.
What it is
In retinal migraine, the sight changes come from the eye itself rather than the brain, so they affect only one eye. It's sometimes called ocular migraine, although people also use that name for ordinary visual aura.
Symptoms
- Flashing lights or twinkling in one eye
- A blind spot or blurring in one eye
- Temporary loss of sight in one eye
- A headache at the same time or within about an hour
Check: one eye or both?
Cover one eye, then the other. If the disturbance stays when either eye is covered, it's coming from the brain and is likely to be ordinary aura. If it's only in one eye, it may be retinal migraine or another eye problem.
How long it lasts
Sight changes usually last from 5 to about 20 minutes, then fully recover.
Diagnosis and treatment
A GP or optometrist will want to rule out other causes, such as problems with blood flow to the eye. Treatment is similar to other migraine: painkillers for the headache and preventive medicine if attacks are frequent. Many specialists avoid triptans in retinal migraine, so ask your doctor before using one.
When to get urgent help
Sudden loss of sight in one eye always needs urgent help.
Call 999 if you have
- sudden loss of sight in one eye, even if it has come back, especially the first time
- sight loss with weakness, numbness or slurred speech
Call NHS 111 if
- you are unsure whether your symptoms affect one eye or both
See your GP if
- episodes keep happening
- you haven't had your eyes checked by an optometrist
Work and your workspace
Migraine can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your everyday life. Conditions that come and go still count, and the law looks at how you would be without treatment. If it applies, your employer must make reasonable adjustments.
Adjustments that often help
- Stopping screen work during an episode
- Not driving until sight has fully recovered
- Anti-glare screens and good lighting
- Regular screen breaks
- Time off for appointments
A migraine-friendly workspace
- A chair with good lumbar and neck support
- A desk big enough to put your screen at arm's length
- Screen raised so the top is at eye level
- A flicker-free monitor with an anti-glare or blue-light filter
- Lighting without flicker or glare, and blinds to control daylight
Access to Work can pay towards equipment and support. Acas and Citizens Advice give free advice on your rights.
How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help
If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need is not available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:
- A private specialist or eye appointment to get a diagnosis sooner
- Screen filters and lighting changes to reduce visual strain
- Travel to specialist appointments
Every award depends on your situation and the funds we have that month. A letter from your doctor, a headache diary and a written quote all help your application.
Support and sources
The Migraine Trust
Information and support service
Information on every type of migraine, a free information and support service, and advice on treatment and work.
migrainetrust.orgNational Migraine Centre
Charity headache clinic
Specialist appointments in person and online, including routine appointments for a voluntary donation, plus free factsheets.
nationalmigrainecentre.org.ukNHS
Health information
Symptoms, treatment and when to get help with migraine and headache.
nhs.uk/conditions/migraineSources for this guide
Written in our own words from the sources above. Last reviewed: October 2026. Figures can differ between sources; where they do, we give the range.