What are zig zag lines in the vision?
Do you have a problem seeing zig zag lines? This can be an alarming symptom. Sometimes, they are described as jagged or resembling a heat wave coming off of a hot asphalt road. Others describe the symptom as looking like a kaleidoscope. The zig zag lines usually come on without warning and may slowly increase in size and intensity over several minutes. They often interfere with vision by blocking out part of the vision. For example, you may only be able to see part of a person’s face or part of a printed word. After 15–20 minutes or so, they disappear without any permanent vision loss.
What causes this symptom?
There are many causes of zig zag lines in the vision. However, the most common cause is a migraine phenomenon, called a visual aura. Migraines with visual aura may occur with or without a headache. Often, they often follow stress by several weeks. Migraine is a diagnosis of exclusion. That means it is necessary to exclude or rule out other more serious causes of zig zag lines before settling with the diagnosis of migraine.
What are more serous causes of zig zag lines in the vision?
Serious causes of may include problems in the eyes, the brain, the heart, and other medical problems. Eye problems include retinal breaks, retinal detachment, and inflammation in the eyes. Brain problems include bleeding, aneurysm, seizure, and tumors. Sometimes, zigzag lines are associated with a heart problem, such as patent foramen ovale. In this case, a cardiologist assesses and provides treatment as needed. Rarely, blood clot problems and connective tissue disease are implicated.
Who should I see about this problem?
The ophthalmologist (Eye MD) is equipped with the knowledge, skill, and equipment to diagnose the cause of your zig zag lines. Sometimes, you may need to see a retinal specialist (a type of ophthalmologist with specialty education in retinal disease). In some cases, the ophthalmologist will send you for a brain scan or to a neurologist for further care.
What is the treatment for zig zag lines?
The treatment of zig zag lines depends on the cause. Once the doctor excludes serious diseases, he may diagnosis migraine. In that case, no treatment is usually necessary. However, if the symptoms are recurrent and bothersome, the ophthalmologist will usually send you to a neurologist for assessment and possible medication.
For a telemedicine consultation with Dr Pautler, please send email request to spautler@rvaf.com. We accept Medicare and most insurances in Florida. Please include contact information (including phone number) in the email. We are unable to provide consultation for those living outside the state of Florida with the exception of limited one-time consultations with residents of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington.
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