Guest Post written by Greg Bullock of TheraSpecs
What if I told you there were glasses that could help alleviate light sensitivity during a migraine attack, or that these special lenses could even prevent light from triggering episodes altogether? It may sound surprising, but it is true! These “migraine glasses” (as they are often labeled) do exist, and they are helping thousands of people get out of the dark and back to what really matters in their life. Imagine being able to say something like this:
“I’ve used my new glasses in various environments with fluorescent lighting. I am thrilled with the results and the new freedom I now have. I can walk into these places without fear of migraine. Thank you!”
— Holly, New Hampshire, United States
What makes these glasses unique is their precision-tinted lenses. This specialty rose-colored coating, which is commonly referred to as the FL-41 tint, is superior to any pair of blue blocker or digital screen glasses available on the market.
And the special sauce is in the specific light that is being filtered.
Researchers have repeatedly identified low- or short-wavelength light to be a primary catalyst for migraine attacks—specifically between 480nm and 520nm, which represents both blue and green on the spectrum of visible light.1-2 And this type of light unfortunately packs a powerful wallop. It can trigger a migrainous episode, it can make your pain worse or prolong an attack that has already started, and you can even be sensitive to it outside of the symptomatic phase too. Plus, it is quite literally everywhere: fluorescents, sunlight, digital screens…everywhere.
However, this ultimately opened the door to better understand how reducing exposure to these wavelengths might benefit patients. Sure enough, in the early 1990’s, a group of researchers reported that the use of these precision-tinted FL-41 specs could substantially reduce the number of monthly migraine attacks. Additional studies further showed that wearing these specialty tinted glasses could improve light sensitivity associated with other conditions as well as generalized intolerance to fluorescent lighting.3-4
As a result of this sophisticated light filtration process, the lenses themselves do not have to be as dark for inside use, meaning those with migraine can avoid the bad (but often necessary) habit of wearing sunglasses indoors. This will allow your eyes to be visible to others during social interaction and will not risk worsening your light sensitivity over time either. A double win!
Now, you may have heard of general “blue blockers” and think they accomplish the same effect. There is no doubt that many people claim to have been aided by this broad genre of eyewear, but it is important to note that they are not targeting the same wavelengths of light. The truth is: only the precision tint of FL-41 is designed specifically for people with migraine.
Top: Light transmission curve for TheraSpecs indoor FL-41 glasses. Courtesy of f.luxometer. Bottom: a comparison of three popular blue blocking glasses brands, sourced via medium. TheraSpecs removes more of the most problematic wavelengths for people with migraine according to research.
Even if you do not have migraine or another chronic headache disorder, these precision-tinted glasses can offer relief. In fact, patients with post-concussion syndrome, Lyme disease and fibromyalgia are among those who are quite literally “seeing” a difference in their sensitivity to light. They also acknowledge a reduction in the onset of other symptoms associated with their condition, which might include: dizziness, nausea, eye strain, aura, anxiety, and more. Hopefully researchers will continue to expand their understanding of just how impactful FL-41 lenses are for some of these auxiliary conditions—ultimately confirming what patients have already known for years.
If you want to learn more about how light sensitivity affects people with migraine, I encourage you to check out our online guide here.
References:
1 M. Tatsumoto, T. Eda, T. Ishikawa, M. Ayama, K. Hirata “Light of Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell (ipRGC) Causing Migraine Headache Exacerbation.” IHC symposium OR3. 2013 June
2 Main A, Vlachonikolis I, Dowson A. The wavelength of light causing photophobia in migraine and tension-type headache between attacks. Headache. 2000 Mar;40(3):194-9.
3 Blackburn MK, Lamb RD, Digre KB, et al. FL-41 Tint Improves Blink Frequency, Light Sensitivity, and Functional Limitations in Patients with Benign Essential Blepharospasm. Ophthalmology. 2009;116(5):997-1001. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2008.12.031.
4 Wilkins AJ, Wilkinson P. A tint to reduce eye strain from fluorescent lighting? Preliminary observations. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 1991 Apr;11(2):172-5.
About the guest author
Greg Bullock is passionate about supporting people who have light sensitivity associated with chronic conditions such as migraine, post-concussion syndrome, and TBI. He is currently the Marketing Manager and Content Editor at TheraSpecs, which creates precision-tinted glasses for people with light sensitivity. Learn more at https://www.theraspecs.com.
Note: This article was provided by Theraspecs for educational purposes. Engineering Radiance is not affiliated in any way with TheraSpecs and was not compensated in any way for posting this or for any sales related to this article.
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Oh my goodness!! I really want to try these! I have been getting more migraines than usual.. not daily, but more than in the past. Thank you for highlighting these!
I have tried the rose colored glasses during a class with fluorescent lighting. It definitely helped prevent the onset of migraine. I just need them in prescriptive lenses. I assume you have those?
Hi, we don’t sell glasses from Engineering Radiance but you can look into this brand Theraspecs with the FL-41 rose/purplish tint or get evaluated by an Irlen Specialist for custom lenses – and yes you can do either in a prescription. https://www.theraspecs.com/rx/
I haven’t had a migraine for decades, but when I did they were the pits. Dr would have to come & inject me. I’m sending this link to a colleague.
The glasses sound great. But, what if your required to wear prescription lenses?
Janet, you can send in your prescription or use the wear-over kind.
What! My mom needs these are mirganes are outta control
I have a pair of Theraspecs and received them on a migraine day. When I put them on i felt my scalp muscles relax on the spot, which was pretty amazing to me. I had considered myself someone only light sensitive once in a migrainous state, but the fluorescent lighting in my office is horrendous and I do notice on rainy days how yellow it looks inside. It might be more of a contributing baseline factor than I am aware of! My eyes do feel more relaxed when I wear them especially during a migraine.
Thanks for sharing that with us Amy!
WOW! These sound like real godsends! Thank you for all the wonderful information, especially how these differ from “blue blockers.”
I don’t get migraines often, but when I do, I feel like I’m dying. I have to get a pair of these and see how they work for me.
I need to share these with a good friend of mine. She suffers from migraines a lot. I’d love to be able to provide her with some relief.
Too many people suffer from migraines. If these glasses will help with the pain, I’m all for it!
I NEED TO SHARE THIS WITH MY SISTER! She suffers from migraines REGULARLY – perhaps these can help her!
I’ve been hearing a lot about glasses like these. I need to do more research.
I suffered from migraines most of my life. I was super light sensitive and all that would help was a darkened room. I would have loved having these glasses.
This is the first time I am coming across these glasses. Very useful information. Thanks for sharing.
I always spend longer hours in front of my computer, and I think I would be needing this glasses. Do they have other shades of lenses available?
These particular ones are specifically designed for people who are prone to migraines. Some people find blue-blocking computer glasses helpful (the lenses will be orange-ish).
I am someone who is prone to migraines. And after reading this post, I must check out these helpful glasses. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never heard of migraine glasses before. I didn’t know that using special glasses can help with migraine.
This is really awesome! Would love to try it!
Wow! This is the first time I knew about migraine classes. Isn’t it cool?
I would like to try a pair of these. My eyes can get pretty sensitive to light sometimes.
My aunt had to quit her job due to severe migraines. I am sending her a link to this article right now. I hope these help her!
My mom suffers from severe migraines sometimes. She might need these glasses.