Kaleidoscope Vision

What is kaleidoscope vision?

Kaleidoscope vision is a type of visual disturbance in which it appears you are looking through a kaleidoscope. The images are bright in color, fractured and, sometimes, shiny or blurry. Similar to the images in a kaleidoscope, the geometric patterns may repeat. Other descriptions include “rainbow vision” or “pixelated vision.”

An episode of kaleidoscope vision can last up to an hour. In some cases, it may signal the beginning of a migraine. Less commonly, it could indicate something more serious.

If you have this type of visual disturbance — particularly if it happens often — you should contact an eye care provider.

What are the most common causes of kaleidoscope vision?

The most common causes of kaleidoscope or pixelated vision include migraines, eye misalignment, brain injuries, retinal damage and the use of hallucinogenic drugs.

Kaleidoscope vision related to migraines

Migraine headaches, particularly migraine with aura, can cause kaleidoscope vision. If you get these types of migraines, you may be familiar with aura, which precedes the headache. This can occur even without the actual headache.

Researchers place visual auras into three categories: positive, negative and perceptual. Negative visual manifestations include scotomas (blind spots). Positive visual manifestations include zigzag lines and flashing lights (photopsia).

Kaleidoscope vision is a perceptual visual manifestation, along with fragmented vision, known as “cracked glass.” Perceptual manifestations include things that appear too big, too small, too close or too far away.

Kaleidoscope vision related to eye misalignment

Eye misalignment can cause episodes of visual disturbances because your eyes aren’t able to work together. Another term for eye misalignment is strabismus (crossed eyes).

Kaleidoscope vision related to stroke

A stroke is an emergency that deprives your brain of oxygen. You need to go immediately to an emergency room if you experience stroke symptoms. Migraine is a risk factor for stroke, and migraine symptoms can be similar to those of a stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Kaleidoscope vision related to brain injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause vision problems. More than 90% of people who have TBIs experience visual disturbances. These disturbances may be delayed.

Kaleidoscope vision related to retinal damage

Your retina has photoreceptors that change light into electrical signals that your brain processes into images. Conditions that affect your retina and may cause kaleidoscope vision include:

• Central retinal artery occlusion: This signifies a blockage (occlusion) in your main retinal vein. This can cause permanent damage rapidly.
• Retinal migraine: This isn’t the same as a migraine with aura. A retinal migraine causes visual disturbances in one eye that occur repeatedly.

Kaleidoscope vision caused by hallucinogenic drugs

Hallucinogenic drugs that can trigger kaleidoscopic vision include:

• LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide).
• Psilocybin, available from certain types of mushrooms.
• Mescaline, available from the peyote plant or a lab.

How is kaleidoscope vision treated?

Healthcare providers will ask you about other symptoms you have to help determine the cause of your kaleidoscope vision. Then, they’ll treat the underlying problem.

For instance, if your eyes are misaligned, you may find that glasses, surgery, ocular rehabilitation or a combination of these solutions may help.

If you get migraines, there are medications to prevent migraines and treat them.

You may be more prone to visual disturbances if you have diabetes or multiple sclerosis. You may have fewer visual problems if you’re able to manage these conditions.

What can I do at home to treat kaleidoscope vision?

If you’re at home and develop kaleidoscope vision as part of your migraine, you may want to treat it as you would your migraine. This may include taking your prescribed medication and lying down in a dark and quiet room.

How can I prevent kaleidoscope vision?

You may be able to prevent episodes of kaleidoscope vision associated with migraines by preventing the migraines themselves. Some ways that you may be able to prevent migraines include:

• Staying hydrated.
• Following regular routines for eating and sleeping.
• Avoiding triggers.
• Managing stress.
• Taking prescribed medications correctly.
• Getting regular physical activity.

Some of these behaviors, such as being active, may also help to reduce your risk of stroke. Other behaviors include:

• Managing blood sugar.
• Managing blood pressure levels.
• Managing cholesterol.
• Smoking cessation.
• Drinking alcohol only in moderation.
• Keeping a healthy weight for you.

When should kaleidoscope vision be treated by a healthcare provider?

Call a healthcare provider if:

• You have frequent episodes of kaleidoscope vision.
• You have eye pain.
• You have any vision loss or black spots in your vision.
• You have any other types of disturbing symptoms, like nausea and vomiting.

If you have eye pain and a severe headache that comes on suddenly, get medical care immediately. This is particularly true if your vision symptoms happen at the same time as weakness of your arms or facial muscles and you’re slurring your words.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Having visual disturbances such as kaleidoscope vision may not be serious, particularly if it only occurs when you have migraines. But it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider for any visual issues. If you have a sudden severe headache along with visual disturbances like kaleidoscope vision or seeing rainbows and prisms, seek immediate medical help.