Migraines affect between 15 and 23% of the UK population – the online pharmacy Click Pharmacy have conducted new research to find out which regional NHS bodies around the country are prescribing the most migraine medication. As part of this research, they also created images that show the effects that a migraine can have on your vision.

Click Pharmacy created images to represent three types of migraine. The image below illustrates how a breakfast table might appear to someone experiencing a migraine with aura – a migraine that is accompanied by warning signs before the attack begins, such as visual disturbances. Their vision could be affected by coloured dots or lines, blind spots, and zig zag patterns.

The below image demonstrates what someone experiencing a migraine with brainstem aura might see as they sit down to work on their laptop. The edges of the laptop and coffee cup are blurred by the double vision characteristic of this type of migraine, and they can see dots of light. About 10% of those with migraines with aura are affected by brainstem auras, which can cause double vision, slurred speech, ringing in ears, or fainting.

The final image below shows how someone experiencing a hemiplegic migraine might see a coffee shop. As well as feeling weak or numb on one side of their body, they might also see visual disturbances like zig zag lines or sparkling light.

The online pharmacy used official statistics to discover which NHS Integrated Care Boards prescribed the most triptans in May 2024. Triptans are a type of migraine medication that acts to constrict blood vessels. They are prescribed because during a migraine attack, the swelling and dilation of blood vessels are understood to cause the pain and nausea – so taking this medication once an attack has started can stop these symptoms.