Seeing Prisms in Peripheral Vision

We are going to explain why do you see prisms in peripheral vision and how to prevent this condition. Peripheral vision is a part of vision that takes place outside the very center of look.

seeing prisms in peripheral vision

There is a broad set of non-central points in the visual field that is included in the notion of peripheral vision. “Far peripheral” vision refers to the area at the edges of the visual field, “mid-peripheral” vision exists in the middle of the visual field, and “near-peripheral”, often referred to as “para-central” vision, exists nearby to the center of gaze.

Functions of Peripheral Vision

The primary functions of peripheral vision are:

  • recognition of popular structures and forms with no have to focus by the foveal line of sight,
  • identification of similar forms and movements (Gestalt psychology laws),
  • delivery of feelings which form the background of comprehensive visual perception.

What Causes Seeing Prisms in Peripheral Vision?

“Triangular prisms” is a traditional function of migraine aura, especially if you’ve had severe headaches before. There are medications that minimize the possibility of development to complete headache.

If you haven’t been detected in the past, in the United States we advise a neurologist for your preliminary workup. If you’ve had migraine in the past, your family doctor, GP or neighborhood doctor would probably recommend for you.

seeing prisms in peripheral vision

So, now we know that seeing prisms in peripheral vision caused by migraine with aura. Let’s learn more about the condition.

Migraine With Aura and Prisms in Peripheral Vision

Migraines with aura account for about a quarter of all migraines. Even if you get auras, you might not have one with every migraine. Some children and older adults might get an aura without later pain.

Though they can hurt a lot and make you feel “off,” these headaches aren’t dangerous. There are things you can do along with medications and devices that can assist treat the symptoms and prevent migraine with auras.

The aura which about 20% of migraine victims experience is believed to be due to this electrical wave crossing the part of your brain that procedures signals from your senses.

Migraine frequently runs in families. They frequently begin in childhood and worsen through teenage years. Although more boys than girls have migraine, more adult women than men have them. Gradually, you’ll get fewer, and they become less typical after age 50.

Symptoms Associated with Prisms in Peripheral Vision

About a third of people will get alerting signs hours or days before a migraine. This is called the prodrome or pre-headache stage. You might:

  • Have food yearnings.
  • Get “hyper” or cranky.
  • Be fatigued and yawn more.
  • Feel stiff, especially your neck.
  • Need to urinate more often.
  • Get constipated or have diarrhea.

Auras often start about an hour or so before the headache. They aren’t just distorted vision, however. They can impact any of your senses.

  • Trouble finding words or speaking (aphasia).
  • Seeing prisms in peripheral vision.
  • Seeing zigzag patterns (stronghold spectra).
  • Vision loss in part of one or both eyes.
  • Blind spots (scotomas).
  • Seeing flashing lights (scintilla).
  • Seeing, hearing, or smelling things that aren’t really there (hallucinations).
  • Prickling, tingling, or numbness (paresthesia).

The aura usually lasts less than an hour. Some symptoms might continue into the headache stage.

Migraine pain is steady or throbs. You generally feel it on the front or side of your head, around the eyes. Adults are most likely to harm on simply one side. The headache may last from an hour to 3 days.

Besides pain, other headache symptoms might consist of:

  • Distressed stomach or vomiting.
  • Hot flashes and chills.
  • Dizziness or spinning (vertigo).
  • Confusion.
  • Stuff or runny nose.
  • Sore neck or jaw.
  • Sensitivity to light, sounds, smells, touch, or motion.

How to Relieve Seeing Prisms in Peripheral Vision

When you’re having a migraine aura with seeing prisms in peripheral vision, stay in relaxing, dark space. Try cold compresses or pressure on the painful areas.

Pain-relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may help. Your doctor can prescribe larger doses of NSAIDs.

The prescription medications such as rizatriptan (Maxalt) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) minimize the pain and associated functions.

Other medications can relieve associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

A method called a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), uses a pulse of magnetic energy to promote part of your brain, which might stop or reduce the pain. You’ll require a prescription to get this device, which you place on the back of your head when you experience the aura beginning.

How To Prevent Seeing Prisms in Peripheral Vision Caused By Migraine with Aura

Some drugs that treat other conditions can avoid migraines, too:

  • Heart and blood pressure medications called beta-blockers, consisting of atenolol (Tenormin), propranolol (Inderal), and timolol (Blocadren).
  • Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor), antidepressants.
  • Anti-seizure medications such as topiramate (Topamax) or valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote).

Your doctor may recommend a headband-like device that creates electrical impulses on your skin. When it’s on, you’ll feel a tingling or massaging experience on your forehead. This stimulates the nerve related to migraine headaches. You use it day-to-day to prevent headaches.

Avoid your triggers. Common ones consist of:

  • Being tired, sick, or starving.
  • Flickering or flashing light.
  • Atmospheric pressure or altitude modifications.
  • Medications.
  • Hormone level changes.
  • Stress.
  • Foods.

A headache journal can assist you and your doctor figure out what may setting off your headaches with seeing prisms in your peripheral vision. Keep in mind the date and time of the migraine, any foods you consumed, what you were doing, and any medication you took right before the headache started. It might take a number of weeks to start to see a pattern.

Reyus Mammadli/ author of the article

I’m the author and editor of this health blog, active since 2008. With a background in medical and biotechnical devices, I focus on making health and self-care topics—especially in ophthalmology—clear and accessible.

Although I’m not a licensed physician, I’ve spent over 15 years working with medical literature and guidelines, with particular attention to trusted ophthalmic sources such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute, and PubMed. I also follow the latest updates in diagnostics and treatment technologies.

My aim is to help readers better understand eye diseases, tests, and treatment options—so they can feel more confident when consulting a doctor.

Note: This blog does not provide medical diagnoses or treatments. It offers clear, reliable health information to support informed conversations with healthcare professionals.