The maker of Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lenses is debuting two new additions to its lens portfolio: a photochromic and polarized lens.
First, let’s get a refresher on Avulux.
First launched in 2018, Avulux is the result of one neuro-ophthalmologist’s years of research on a precision lens technology developed and patented out of the Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah.
The general idea: Light-blocking glasses that offer photophobia management for patients with migraine and light sensitivity.
Can we get some background?
- See here for a rundown on preliminary research into how certain visible light wavelengths play a role in activating intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs).
- Click here for a look at later research supporting an alternative light wavelength to improve migraine attacks—which helped support the development of Avulux’s tech.
- And for an even deeper dive into this science, read this.
- Check out our coverage on Avulux’s addition to the FDA-funded Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP).
More research can be found here (including how the Avulux lenses compare to other light-blocking glasses).
And have these Avulux glasses received FDA clearance?
No, they have not received regulatory clearance or approval.
The reasoning: Avulux has noted that the glasses are marketed under the FDA’s “general wellness” policy—essentially enabling them to be sold without formal FDA clearance as a medical device.
- See here for more on this classification, which applies to low-risk, non-invasive, and non-implanted devices or software, as set forth in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act.
So how are these Avulux glasses designed, exactly?
This lens technology is embedded in readers, prescription, and non-prescription glasses that are custom-made and tailored to a wearer and their respective lifestyles.
- Among the frame shape options: wayfarer, round, cat eye, and customized
As for the lenses themselves: These are precision-tinted, hard-coated, anti-scratch, and available in a variety of styles (including models that fit over patients’ current frames).
- Check out Avulux’s shop of frame and lens options.
- And see here for the virtual try-on capabilities.
Now to the newest lenses.
We’ll start with the Avulux Adapt photochromic lenses.
Their purpose: To “seamlessly adapt to changing light conditions” by automatically darkening when exposed to the outdoors to provide enhanced visual protection.
How this works: Photochromic molecules within the lens activate when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, causing the lens to darken before quickly returning to a standard (non-darkened) clarity when back indoors.
- To note: When the lens darkens, it “filters over 90% of both harmful blue and amber light.”
Nice! And this polarized lens option?
The Avulux Atlas polarized lenses are designed for outdoor wear, delivering enhanced “comfort, safety, and visual clarity,” including in intense sunlight.
Their purpose: To significantly reduce glare and help minimize squinting and visual fatigue during extended outdoor activities.
How this is done: By blocking and filtering “harsh” light—blue, amber, and red light reflected from surfaces such as water, roads, snow, and glass—while selectively allowing more soothing (green) light through.
So how do these lenses differ from the original Avulux lens?
While all three utilize Avulux’s precision light-filtering approach as migraine and light sensitivity lens options, they each target different lighting needs and preferences. Case in point:
- The base Avulux lens is intended for indoor and outdoor use on overcast days, blocking 100% of UV light through 390 nanometers (nm).
- Meanwhile, the Avulux Atlas lens’ polarized design is intended for outdoor use only.
- And the Avulux Adapt lens is referred to as the “most well-rounded”—due to its darkening and filtering capabilities.
- Both of these lenses block 100% of UV light through 400 nm.
See here for more frequently asked questions on the lenses, including how they work, insurance coverage (plus reimbursement options), and more.
Also check out their indications for use.
Last question: How can patients get ahold of Avulux’s lenses?
All migraine glasses in the Avulux shop can be viewed here.
- For Avulux Adapt lenses, click here.
- For Avulux Atlas lenses, click here.
While shipping is free in the U.S., pricing will vary.