If you see the distorted image in each eye separately, it means the issue is likely stemming from the part of your brain involved in vision and is probably being caused by an ocular migraine.Īccording to the American Migraine Association here are some of the symptoms that may indicate your kaleidoscopic vision is caused by something more serious than a visual migraine: One of the differences is that in migraines, visual symptoms will usually occur first followed by headache and other senses being affected, while symptoms of a TIA will occur all at once. If you think you’re experiencing a visual migraine, it’s important to be sure that it’s not a TIA or mini-stroke. How to tell if Kaleidoscope Vision is caused by Migraine or Something more Serious Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and mescaline, are known for producing unstable coloured images and kaleidoscope vision. Hallucinogens- Kaleidoscopic vision, as well as some of the other visual distortions known as migraine auras, can be produced by hallucinogenic agents. If you have an MS diagnosis and experience kaleidoscope vision it’s usually related to migraine but other serious concerns should be ruled out by your doctor. If you have frequent migraines and other symptoms related to MS you should tell your doctor. MS- Migraines are more common in people with multiple sclerosis occurring at a rate three times greater than the general population. It usually involves a blind spot or complete loss of vision in just one eye and can include visual distortions such as kaleidoscope vision. Retinal migraine- a retinal migraine is caused by lack of blood flow to the eye and is a more serious condition than a visual migraine. A TIA can produce symptoms similar to those of a visual migraine, including kaleidoscopic vision. Although the symptoms of a TIA pass quickly, it’s a serious condition that can warn that a more serious stroke is imminent. TIA or stroke- Mini-strokes known as transient ischemic attack (TIA) are caused by a decrease of blood flow to the brain. Other more serious causes of Kaleidoscope Vision include: What are some other causes of Kaleidoscope Vision besides an ocular migraine?Īs with all other vision changes, it is important to distinguish if kaleidoscope vision may be a warning of a more serious issue. Objects appear too large or too small, or too close or far away.Sensation of looking through water or heat waves.Blind spots, tunnel vision, or temporary vision loss.A foggy area that is surrounded by zigzag lines that can grow and break up.Dots, stars, spots, squiggles, and “flash bulb” effects.
These temporary changes in vision usually pass within 30 minutes and are often followed by a migraine headache. Distorted or altered visual symptoms include the sensations of: looking through water, heat waves, blurred vision, fractured vision with a mosaic or kaleidoscope effect, loss of colour vision, objects appearing too large or small, and objects seeming closer or farther than they really are.Īn ocular migraine occurs when nerve cells in the part of your brain responsible for vision fire erratically. According to the American Migraine Foundation, kaleidoscopic vision is one type of distorted or altered visual symptom that usually occurs before the onset of a visual or ocular migraine. Kaleidoscope vision is commonly caused by migraine headaches. What is the most common cause of Kaleidoscope Vision? They can appear brightly coloured or shiny just like images when you peer through a kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope vision is a temporary distortion of vision that breaks up images in your line of sight. Read on to learn more about the cause of kaleidoscope vision and when is it a cause for concern. The same is true of a condition known as kaleidoscope vision. They can however indicate a more serious issue which is why it’s important to see your eye doctor if you are experiencing these visual disruptions. Some vision disruptions such as eye floaters, and rainbow halos are common and can be annoying but aren’t usually serious.
Only when there is a disruption to our sight do we realize how fortunate we are. When our vision is normal, we often take it for granted.