Subtle binocular vision anomalies in migraine

Abstract

A literature review reveals old references to an association between migraine headache and binocular vision anomalies, but a lack of scientific evidence evaluating these claims. In a masked case control study, we investigated binocular vision using standard clinical tests in people with migraine and in controls. Some test results suggest that heterophoria and fixation disparity are more common in the migraine group. The migraine group also had slightly reduced stereopsis. We found significant correlations between some migraine variables and some binocular vision variables (e.g., duration of worst headache and impaired stereopsis) but our analyses do not suggest that a causal relationship is likely. In conclusion, people with migraine have on average a slightly higher prevalence of heterophoria and aligning prism, and reduced stereopsis compared with controls. However, the differences are subtle and our data do not support the use of binocular vision interventions prescribed solely on the basis of the presence of migraine.

The content of optometric eye examinations for a young myope with headaches

“…However, it is noteworthy that in this study only 31% carried out ocular motility, 83% carried out the cover test, at least at one distance either with or without spectacles, but 36% did not perform a cover test at both distance and near. In view of the possible link between migraine and binocular vision anomalies (Harle and Evans, 2004, 2006b), it would be desirable to have a detailed binocular vision assessment for this SP. Since our research was carried out, a CET DVD on binocular vision anomalies has been circulated to all optometrists in the UK by DOCET (The Directorate of Optometric Continuing Education and Training, DOCET, 2007).…”

“…, 2005). The optometric correlates of migraine have recently been reviewed (Harle and Evans, 2004) and investigated (Harle and Evans, 2005, 2006a,b,c; Harle et al. , 2006).…”

Visual Stimuli Are Common Triggers of Migraine and Are Associated With Pattern Glare

“…The pattern glare or pattern glare difference score, rather than the rate of reading test, might be useful as a screening tool for this purpose. Those who report visual triggers such as flicker or patterns, or those who give a positive response to the pattern glare test, may benefit from consulting eye‐care practitioners to investigate the potential for optometric intervention 17,18,51 …”

“…In this study, we investigated the links between interictal pattern glare, visual stress, and visual triggers of migraine, in between migraine episodes, using questionnaire data collected prior to participation in 2 separate experiments. The experimental data from a battery of optometric tests have already been reported 15–19 . Here, we report on the association between the questionnaire data and the optometric variables of pattern glare, use of colored filters, and color vision.…”

“…The experimental data from a battery of optometric tests have already been reported. [15][16][17][18][19] Here, we report on the association between the questionnaire data and the optometric variables of pattern glare, use of colored filters, and color vision. Pattern glare was assessed by means of the pattern glare test, 12 which gives a score for the number of visual illusions reported on viewing square-wave gratings of spatial frequencies 0.5 cpd, 3 cpd, and 12 cpd.…”