What is kaleidoscope vision?
Kaleidoscope vision occurs when multi-colored visual images are experienced with a headache, migraine, stroke or brain injury.
In many cases, kaleidoscope vision will actually precede a headache or migraine and warn of its oncoming development.
Kaleidoscope vision can affect one or both eyes and cause you to feel like you are looking through a kaleidoscope — as if your visual field is scrambled, fractured, and vividly colored.
Episodes of kaleidoscope vision typically last between 10-30 minutes but can linger for up to an hour.
Contact an eye doctor near you to diagnose and treat your kaleidoscope vision.
SEE RELATED: Common Vision Problems Associated With a Brain Injury
What causes kaleidoscope vision?
If you experience a severe headache with visual disturbances, seek immediate medical attention to rule out any serious ocular or medical conditions.
The most common cause of kaleidoscope vision is an ocular migraine, or a migraine that is accompanied by these visual images.
Around 25 percent of people who suffer from migraines also experience some type of visual disturbance or aura.
Ocular migraines are commonly triggered by a binocular visual dysfunction, or a misalignment of the eyes.
When the eyes are misaligned, they cannot work together to produce a clear, single image. This can lead to eye strain and fatigue and result in painful ocular migraines.
What can you do?
If you are experiencing migraines or kaleidoscope vision and have ruled out any serious eye or medical conditions, schedule a functional vision evaluation to determine if a binocular visual dysfunction is at the root of your problem.
If a vision problem is detected, your eye doctor may recommend a customized neuro-optometric rehabilitation program to retrain your eye-brain connections and improve your binocular vision.
LEARN MORE: Guide to Neuro-Optometry
Don’t let migraines affect your vision. Schedule a functional vision evaluation with a neuro-optometrist and take your first steps towards a lifetime of clear and comfortable vision.
