A new type of eyeglass lens technology developed by a neuro-ophthalmologist and scientist at the University of Utah John A. Moran Eye Center is offering migraine sufferers a new potential treatment option for managing light sensitivity (photophobia).
Let’s start with some background.
Migraines are known to be the most common cause of light sensitivity, with an estimated 80% of people experiencing photophobia during such a trigger, along with the aftermath of pain, nausea, and depression.
Under the American Disabilities Act (ADA), migraines may qualify as a disability if they affect a person’s ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) such as working or concentrating; to that extent, an estimated 47 million people in the U.S. workforce are estimated to have migraines.
So which lights bring on these migraines?
Intrinsically-photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) have been found to be the most activated by specific light wavelengths, with white, blue, amber, and red lights typically worse for migraines.
- Note: Blue (the most painful or sensitive for migraine sufferers) and red lights are known to cause the most sensitivity for patients, according to a 2016 study.
When activated by these visible light wavelengths (in the 400 to 500 nm range), ipRGCs release melanopsin, which is responsible for providing color correction to vision in high-brightness events.
As a result: If a patient were to experience a migraine, they could be more prone to experience an increase in pain during these bright light events.
So are all light wavelengths bad for migraines?
Actually, no.
For instance: A 2020 study published in Cephalalgia (NCT03677206) found that green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) did not have the same effect on ipRGCs and, in fact, reduced the number of headaches per month by an average of 60% for those experiencing migraines (both chronic and episodic).
As a bonus: This light also significantly improved quality of life (QoL) and the intensity/duration of headache attacks.
And what other migraine glasses are already out there?
- Blue light blockers
- FL-41 (dark, rose-tinted glasses)
- Light sensitivity glasses
- Photophobia glasses
- Dark orange, red, blue, or green glasses
However: These glasses only block a small portion of bad light from entering the eyes.
Which leads us to these clinically-tested lenses.
Now, talk about this research.
Bradley J. Katz, MD, a neuro-ophthalmologist and scientist at the Moran Eye Center—in collaboration with colleagues and industry partners—incorporated these findings on light wavelengths and migraines to develop a next-generation technology: Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lenses.
These lenses include patient precision lens technology—developed by Steve Blair, PhD, a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Utah—that’s designed to filter up to 97% of blue, amber, and red light while still allowing greater than 70% of green light in to provide migraine patients with photophobia relief.
Tell me more.
The Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lenses feature lightly-tinted lenses (precision tinted filters) that block higher percentages of detrimental light wavelengths to, instead, transmit comfortable wavelengths.
Even better: Per Avulux, wearing these glasses continuously should not make a person more sensitive to light and may not cause chronic dark-adaptation (a slow recovery of visual sensitivity in the darkness after exposure to intense light).
What’s the clinical research on this?
Investigators conducted two studies—one in 2016 and one in 2020 (NCT04341298)—during the development stage of these lenses.
The first study, published in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, evaluated the glasses’ ability to block light wavelengths of 480 nm vs lenses blocking at 620 nm.
- The findings: Wavelengths at 481 nm and 587 nm are “peak bands” that can affect melanopsin production.
The second study featured an updated Avulux lens that absorbed up to 97% of blue, amber, and red light (while allowing green light through).
- After this: An independent firm conducted a double-blind comparison study on the Avulux vs clear placebo lenses for episodic migraines.
- The findings: Avulux lenses were found to “precisely filter light” and “could help people living with migraine.”
- The result: Using this data, Avulux lenses were developed.
Any other research?
Yes! Kaiser Permanente has also been reported to be conducting a randomized, double-blind, crossover interventional clinical trial (NCT06149000) evaluating the Avulux lenses among 40 adult participants with a history of migraines.
The purpose: To determine their effectiveness and the amount of medication participants may require during a migraine attack while wearing Avulux lenses.
The trial is expected to conclude in June 2024.
What kind of federal clearance do these lenses have?
Per a university news release, the lenses are patented (#9759848) and have “received FDA confirmation of classification to be marketed as general wellness tools.”
And most notably?
These lenses are also reported to be “the first to have been tested in a clinical trial.”
And where can I test these out for myself?
If interested, you can try these glasses out for 60 days (with free returns).
Note: Wearers are advised to wear the glasses for 2 full weeks before making a final decision.
Plus: The Aulux lenses are also available online and through select eyecare providers (no prescription needed).
Moran Eye Center reports its optical shops will start selling them in July 2024.
Editor's note: This article was updated on July 17, 2024