Recurring headaches often begin as mild eye strain or occasional blurred vision, easily dismissed as weak eyesight. But these subtle signs can be the body’s early warnings that something serious may be brewing
beneath the surface.
What starts as mild discomfort, tired eyes after long hours, and a dull ache behind the temples can evolve into persistent yet disruptive episodes. A migraine, after all, is ‘far more than just a bad headache.’
18 Months Of Ignored Symptoms
For Sanjay (name changed for anonymity), a 46-year-old Delhi-based businessman, the symptoms did not immediately suggest a migraine. The diagnosis came only after experiencing a year and six months (18 months) of untreated and neglected headache, extreme sensitivity to light and difficulty concentrating.
“I thought it was just my weak eyesight acting up again. I kept telling myself that I just needed better glasses, but it never crossed my mind that it could be something different,” he said.
“During the eye exam, my vision was tested slightly off, and the doctor prescribed the updated lens number along with the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds,” he mentioned. New glasses helped a bit; the vision improved, but the discomfort was persistent.
“The most difficult part was the blurred vision, which would show up occasionally, especially in the afternoons. I started relying on painkillers whenever the pain became unbearable!” he elaborated.
What began as occasional headaches progressed into frequent episodes. Initially, there was a nagging pressure that would ease out with rest or a shot of coffee, but over time, the symptoms escalated. “It eventually became a one-sided throbbing pain that made even normal lights feel unbearably bright,” he explained.
The blurry episodes grew more frequent, sometimes accompanied by a dull ache behind his right eye. At times, Sanjay’s vision would suddenly dim, not completely dark. “I could see zigzag patterns, shimmering lines and those patterns expanded slowly, then faded after about 15 to 20 minutes. Within an hour, a severe headache would erupt on the same side, along with nausea that I had to lie down in a dark room,” he said.
The Real Cause Revealed
It was a friend who finally suggested that Sanjay should consult a neurologist instead of returning to the eye doctor. “That visit confirmed that what I had assumed was a simple eye problem or weak eyesight was blurred vision and frequent headaches linked to migraine,” he elaborated.
For clarity, doctors ordered further tests. An MRI scan of the brain revealed no tumours or abnormalities, and blood tests came back normal. The final diagnosis was migraine with aura. What he had dismissed early as eye strain, blurred vision, and general discomfort were, in fact, the prodrome and aura phases of his migraine attacks.
What Studies Say
Migraines are not just “bad headaches.” They are complex neurological events marked by abnormal brain activity and often preceded by subtle warning signs. According to a 2025 report by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Migraine affects adult women more frequently than men.”
The frequency of migraines varies from person to person, according to ClevelandClinic.org, “On average, most people experience two to four per month.”
Why Migraines Are Often Confused With Eye Problems
Eye specialists frequently notice patients complaining of “weak eyesight” when the underlying cause is migraine. According to Dr Kunal Bahrani, Chairman and Group Director, Neurology, Yatharth Hospitals, migraine symptoms often feel as though they originate from the eyes, even when eye examinations are normal.
“During a migraine, people experience extreme light sensitivity, blurred vision, pain behind one eye, watery eyes, and heaviness around the forehead and temples. This naturally leads them to believe there is a vision problem,” Dr Bahrani explained.
The dilemma deepens when a visual aura is involved. “Flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, or tunnel vision sound like eye disorders. But aura is a brain phenomenon, not an eye disease.”
What Is Migraine With Aura?
Dr Bahrani explained that migraine with aura includes a temporary warning phase that appears just before, or sometimes during, the headache.
“The aura comes from abnormal activity in the brain’s visual processing areas. Patients may see flashing lights, shimmering waves, zigzag patterns, cracked-glass effects, or expanding blind spots. These symptoms usually build over 5-20 minutes and resolve within an hour.”
Once the aura fades, the headache often follows, characterised by throbbing pain, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and extreme fatigue. “It can be frightening initially, but aura is usually reversible and does not cause permanent damage,” he added.
Recognising The Triggers
Like many others, Sanjay first sought eye care for what felt like a decline in vision. Eye specialists frequently see patients who often raise complaints about “weak eyesight,” which may be traced back to undiagnosed migraines. While eye strain can trigger or worsen attacks in many individuals, creating a vicious cycle; but, the problem does not lie in the eyes.
“The pattern is important,” Dr Bahrani noted. “Episodic symptoms with nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances point strongly toward migraine rather than a vision defect.”
How Lifestyle Modifications Helped
Sanjay observed significant relief after the medication and exercises. “The doctor prescribed some medicines for emergencies to manage acute attacks.” Lifestyle changes also played a role in reducing frequent migraine attacks.
“Sleep schedule, yoga for stress, reduced screen glare using blue light filters and proper hydration helped me deal with the issue,” he mentioned.
Over time, the frequency of his migraine attacks dropped sharply. The doctor suggested that triggers like caffeine should be tracked. The blurred vision or eye discomfort never appeared without warning. Whenever he noticed any signal of migraine attack. Sanjay made sure to act on time.
Sanjay’s experience highlights a common diagnostic pitfall. Similar symptoms dismissed as eyesight weakness for a year and a half masked an underlying neurological condition.
Exercises For Migraine
Dr Bahrani emphasised that gentle, consistent movement is beneficial for migraine sufferers. “Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, cycling at a relaxed pace, and light strength training work well. Sudden, intense workouts can actually trigger attacks.”
Neck and shoulder stretches are especially helpful, as migraines often overlap with muscle tension. Yoga poses such as child’s pose, cat-cow, legs-up-the-wall, and forward bends help calm the nervous system. “Even slow, deep breathing is powerful; it reduces attack frequency over time,” he said.
When Blurred Vision Is A Warning Sign
When headaches accompany vision changes and throbbing on one side of the head, consulting a neurologist becomes vital. Early diagnosis not only reduces prolonged suffering but also helps rule out more serious conditions.
Migraines may begin quietly, but they rarely resolve without intervention. They require awareness, timely medical care, and lifestyle adjustments. In a culture that normalises pushing through pain, the body’s early warnings deserve attention before a passing blur turns into a neurological event.
