Ocular Migraine

There are two main 'types' of headaches -

• Overtiredness -- ie too much computer work, too much reading, not enough rest
• Migraines - more serious and more painful localized headaches often triggered by specific causes

The cause of the ocular migraine is thought to begin with arteries in the brain which spasm, precipitated by stress, hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, foods containing tyramine or phenylalanine (e.g., cheese, chocolate), fatigue, and alcohol.

The result is reduction in blood flow in that artery, followed by blood vessel dilation over-filling of those vessels, causing the severe throbbing or "pounding" headache.

Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor limiting ocular migraines.

• A specific helpful nutrient is the Revision Formula - based on a classic Chinese medicine Liver tonic formulation for overall eye health. The Liver (meridian) in Chinese medicine also helps strengthen overall circulation and movement of energy throughout the body.
• The Vision Diet recommended in Natural Eye Care, co-authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., helps maintain a healthy lens that easily drains away metabolic wastes and toxins from eye tissues.
• Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas, avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods)and man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil, and especially margarines).
• Eliminate deep fat fried foods, monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22). Eating greater amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol appear to increase the risk of AMD.
• Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
• Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
• Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin like Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula
• Pay attention to what you eat keep a log of foods that are suspect: cheeses, dairy, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and possible allergens.
• Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
• Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
• Do eye exercises if you do a lot of close-up work, such as using the computer for long periods of time. Try a couple of minutes of eye relaxing exercises for each hour of near work.
• Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life's problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, walks in the woods or prayer on a daily basis.