It can be helpful, even potentially lifesaving, to familiarize yourself with the nature of visual disturbances. The term is most commonly associated with the disturbances seen with migraine headaches, but they can also be a sign of more serious issues like a stroke. Once you understand what your visual disturbances tend to look like and why, you only need to see a doctor again for them if there is a change that you cannot explain.Ī visual disturbance is any change to your vision that is not indicative of normal health and function. Visual disturbances on their own are usually not serious, but you should always see a doctor if you do not have an explanation for them, or they seem severe. If you or someone you know may be experiencing a stroke, call 911. Symptoms like numbness, confusion, and trouble walking are other signs of a stroke that go along with visual disturbances and headaches. If you experience migraines, talk to your doctor about ways to tell the difference between a migraine and a stroke. Stroke symptoms can sometimes be confused with those of a migraine. If your symptoms seem radically different, you should be especially concerned. If you experience a sudden change in your vision, such as an increase in the severity, length, or symptoms of your visual disturbances, you should see a doctor immediately. By 50, some people will experience visual disturbances without experiencing any headache at all. Some people’s migraine symptoms change as they age, with headaches getting less severe. They generally precede a headache, but they sometimes occur alongside one. They usually occur for about 10 to 30 minutes, and almost always for less than one hour. There are a myriad of visual disturbances associated with migraines, even though only about 25 to 30 percent of people who suffer from migraines experience them. Consult with a doctor immediately for such issues, as failing to do so could lead to blindness in the affected eye. While common, large floaters or a sudden onset of them can be indicative of a more serious issue. Floaters are blobs or spots in your vision, and most people will experience these at some point in their lives. The most common instance of visual disturbances is generally unrelated to migraines. The term is most often used when discussing symptoms that affect people who suffer from migraines, but it can be applicable in other scenarios. Visual disturbances occur when you experience a change in your vision that is not indicative of normal eye health. Implantable Miniature Telescope Surgery.