Migraines also have a relationship with multiple sclerosis (MS), though scientists have not determined whether migraines can predict someone may develop MS. Often, TIAs mean a real stroke - which can cause paralysis or even death - is about to happen. They usually occur for a minute or two and then seem to go away. TIAs are the result of blockages in the blood vessels of the brain. This is an important distinction because if you’ve never had migraines and they don’t run in your family, then kaleidoscope vision could be a warning sign you cannot afford to ignore.įor instance, a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, may cause kaleidoscope vision. If your mom, dad or siblings get them, you may, too. What else can kaleidoscope vision be a sign of? Scotomas are among the most common visual symptoms of migraines. Kaleidoscope vision is related to a scotoma, a blind spot in the field of vision. The symptoms of ocular migraines, including kaleidoscope vision, usually fade within an hour. While most migraines strike the brain, an ocular migraine results from reduced blood flow in the retina and therefore occurs in the eyes. Kaleidoscope vision often occurs during these auras. Migraine auras are considered benign because they don’t inflict pain. A migraine aura is a collection of symptoms that happen before a migraine strikes. One result of this pressure is kaleidoscope vision, which usually occurs in the two primary varieties of migraine: Migraines are throbbing headaches that can last up to three days, usually because of changes in brain chemistry that affect blood flow.įactors like stress and changing body hormones can trigger a migraine, which generates pressure throughout the brain, including the visual centers. This is where the connection with migraines comes in. Changes in flow of blood through the vision system can influence the retina’s ability to capture light waves and the brain’s ability to transform light waves into eyesight. When this system works properly, the cornea and lens bend light and project it onto the retina, whose light-sensitive nerves translate light waves into visual information that travels over the optic nerve to the brain’s vision-processing centers.īlood vessels carry nutrients and oxygen to the eyes and the brain. But what’s actually going on? The explanation starts in the structures of the human vision system, which consists of the eyeball ( cornea, lens and retina), optic nerve and vision centers in the brain. Kaleidoscope vision may happen in one or both eyes. The shimmering, prismatic effect of these childhood toys inspires the term “kaleidoscope vision.” It doesn’t look exactly like peering into a kaleidoscope, but it does create a sensation of tints, shapes and sparkles - often in motion - that are visually similar.

Remember the kaleidoscopes you played with as a child? Most kids loved playing with these little hand-held telescopes - gazing through the eyepiece in the narrow end, rotating the wide end by hand and witnessing a dynamic world of vibrant wonders within. When your vision changes suddenly, it’s definitely time to pay attention and, in some cases, seek medical attention.

But it can also be a sign of other issues, some of them serious. Most of the time, kaleidoscope vision is just a warning sign that a migraine is coming on. It’s only natural to wonder if something’s gone haywire with your eyesight. These visual quirks may sound magical but can actually be alarming, especially if you’re trying to read or drive to work. Kaleidoscope vision occurs at the edge of your field of view: Bright lights sparkle vivid colors swirl.

Kaleidoscope in peripheral vision