We recently had an individual who suffers from intense migraine headaches come into one of our locations. He had tried several options and none of them worked. His situation sent us on a hunt for the newest options available on the marketplace.
For people who suffer from migraines, certain types of lenses and lens treatments can help reduce the frequency or intensity of headaches by reducing eye strain and sensitivity to light. It should be known that 80% of people who suffer from migraines experience light sensitivity, specifically to blue, amber and red light. Here are some options:
- Blue Light Blocking Lenses
- Purpose: Designed to filter out blue light emitted by screens (phones, computers, tablets), which can trigger migraines in some people.
- Effectiveness: These lenses reduce eye strain caused by prolonged screen use, which can help prevent migraines in individuals sensitive to blue light.
- Tinted Lenses
- FL-41 Lenses: These lenses have a special rose or amber tint, designed to filter out specific wavelengths of light known to trigger migraines. FL-41 lenses have been shown to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines for some sufferers.
- Other Tints: Some people find relief with darker tints like grey, brown, or even yellow, depending on their sensitivity to light.
- Polarized Lenses
- Purpose: These lenses reduce glare from surfaces such as water, roads, or snow, which can trigger migraines for light-sensitive individuals.
- Effectiveness: By cutting down on glare, polarized lenses can make outdoor environments less harsh on the eyes.
- Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
- Purpose: AR coatings reduce reflections on lenses, which helps reduce glare from artificial lighting and screens.
- Effectiveness: Minimizing glare can help reduce eye strain, a common migraine trigger.
- Photochromic Lenses (Transition Lenses)
- Purpose: These lenses automatically darken in response to sunlight, helping to reduce light sensitivity outdoors.
- Effectiveness: They can offer relief for those who are sensitive to light changes but might not be as helpful for indoor light sensitivity.
- Prism Lenses
- Purpose: Prism lenses can be used to correct misalignment in the eyes, which can contribute to eye strain and headaches.
- Effectiveness: For people whose migraines are linked to visual misalignment, prism lenses can significantly reduce symptoms.
For the patient that came in that started our search for a solution, we found that “Avulux” lenses were the best option. They are designed to block the harmful blue, red and amber light while allowing the beneficial green light through.
Consulting with an eye care professional is essential for finding the best solution tailored to specific migraine triggers. Sight Care has Optometry has the latest lens technology including the Avulux lenses. Our friendly staff can help you select the option that best suits your situation. If you would like to discuss yourspecific needs, you can drop by one of our locations or make an appointment with us online at https://sightcareoptometry.com/.
Note: This posting is for informational purposes only and does not attempt to diagnose or
recommend treatment for any condition. Please refer to the Ontario Association Optometrists website (https://optom.on.ca/eye-health-library) for more information or consult an Optometrist if you are experiencing eyesight issues.
