Hi,
Kaleidoscope vision is a short lived distortion of vision that causes things to look as if you are peering through a kaleidoscope. In kaleidoscope vision, the images you see may appear to be broken up and brightly colored or shiny like the image in a kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope vision is commonly caused by a type of migraine known as
ocular migraine that occurs when nerve cells of brain responsible for vision start firing erratically. It usually passes in 10-30 minutes.
Again, another type of migraine known as retinal migraine which is a serious condition caused by a lack of blood flow to the eye, may develop kaleidoscope vision. Other serious conditions like TIA, stroke, retinal damage, serious
brain injury, multiple
sclerosis where migraines are very common, hallucinogenic agents like LSD (
lysergic acid diethylamide), mescaline etc., may cause kaleidoscope vision. Some investigations like CT Scan or MRI of brain can help to exclude the causes.
You can take some medications like painkillers,
Flunarizine, beta-blockers like
Propranolol, anti seizure drugs like
Topiramate etc., which will prevent and treat migraine may be helpful in this regards. Thyroid medications don't cause kaleidoscope vision.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General & Family Physician