Migraine glasses are designed to filter specific light wavelengths that can trigger migraines. They offer an alternative for those who find oral medications only partially effective or intolerable, as these medications reduce headache frequency by only half in about 40% of patients, per the American Migraine Foundation.
While medication, quality sleep, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes can help manage migraines, regular eye exams are necessary for overall eye health and early detection of potential issues. For individuals whose migraines are linked to visual triggers, consulting an eye doctor can help identify additional effective treatments, such as migraine glasses.
Migraine glasses are designed to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines caused by sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, by filtering out or blocking certain wavelengths of light that can trigger headaches, according to the Association of Migraine Disorders.
These glasses typically feature tinted lenses that block or filter out specific light frequencies. The lenses are often colored in a yellow or rose tint, which helps to reduce glare and prevent light from entering the eyes in a way that might trigger migraines.
There are different types of migraine glasses, each with its own approach to alleviating symptoms:
- Polarized sunglasses: Polarized glasses feature a special filter that blocks horizontal light to reduce glare.
- Blue light-blocking glasses: These glasses filter out blue light emitted by digital screens and artificial lighting, which can contribute to eye strain and migraines. They are commonly used by individuals who spend a lot of time in front of screens.
- FL-41 glasses: These glasses use FL-41 lenses, a rose-colored tint that filters and blocks blue, green and fluorescent light.
- Night driving glasses: These glasses use yellow or amber-tinted lenses that can benefit migraine sufferers by lessening the effects of bright lights and glare from headlights and streetlights.
Do migraine glasses work?
The effectiveness of migraine glasses has been debated, but various organizations and eye care professionals advocate for migraine glasses as a relief tool.
For decades, Moran Eye Center has promoted using FL-41 tinted glasses for migraines. Recently, Dr. Bradley Katz of Moran Eye Center, in collaboration with Dr. Steve Blair and the University of Utah, advanced this technology, creating the Avulux lenses to better block specific light wavelengths.
Additionally, research has been performed, including a 2016 study, which resulted in positive reports of reduced migraines for participants wearing migraine glasses.
However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology does not endorse blue light-blocking glasses due to insufficient scientific evidence that blue light harms the eyes. This differs from the Seattle Clinical Research Center findings, which reported that blue light can trigger migraines by penetrating the eye, potentially causing retinal damage, disrupting melatonin production and inducing oxidative stress.
Who should wear migraine glasses?
Migraine glasses may not be necessary for you, depending on your triggers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common triggers include stress, hormonal fluctuations, medications and sleep disturbances. Weather changes, excessive physical exertion and caffeine or tobacco also play a role. Skipping meals, exposure to bright lights, loud noises or strong odors can be triggers, too.
Due to their design, migraine glasses may be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience migraines triggered by light sensitivity or glare. This includes people who find that bright or fluorescent lights, or even the glare from screens, contribute to their migraine attacks.
If light sensitivity is a known trigger for your migraines, consulting with a healthcare provider or an eye specialist to determine if migraine glasses could be a helpful part of your treatment plan is recommended. Also, consider keeping a migraine journal to track patterns and narrow down your list of triggers if you aren't sure what causes your migraines.
When should you use migraine glasses?
If you experience migraine attacks specifically when exposed to certain types of light, you'll want to wear your glasses when working on the computer, watching TV or spending time in environments with harsh lighting. However, individuals with a history of light-sensitive migraines may find these glasses helpful as a preventive measure, choosing to wear migraine glasses during daily activities to prevent the onset of migraines or reduce symptoms if they start to develop.
Best glasses for migraine relief
When choosing migraine glasses, consider the following:
- Lens tint and filtering: Ensure the glasses block specific wavelengths of light that trigger migraines.
- Comfort and fit: Choose frames that are comfortable and fit well for extended wear.
- Lens quality: Look for high-quality, durable lenses that provide clear vision.
It's important to select glasses suited to your specific needs and lifestyle. For example, those designed to block blue light or reduce glare are often recommended for individuals frequently in front of screens. Glasses that offer adjustable tints based on light conditions can also be effective for many users.
Consulting with an eye doctor can ensure you get the most appropriate type of glasses for your condition.
Does insurance cover migraine glasses?
Many migraine glasses are often sold as over-the-counter products and may not be covered by insurance since they are seen as nonessential or specialty wear. However, some insurance plans may cover prescription glasses or vision care that includes specialized eyewear if it is deemed medically necessary.
Check with your insurance provider to understand what types of vision care are covered and if migraine glasses might be included in your plan. However, there are also online eyeglass retailers offering affordable eyewear options.
The bottom line
Unfortunately, there isn't a cure for migraines, so reducing the severity and frequency is often the primary focus. Migraine glasses are designed to help alleviate migraine symptoms, and although their effectiveness can vary, some studies and expert opinions suggest they can help lessen migraines triggered by bright or fluorescent lights and glares.
Track your triggers and consider consulting with an eye specialist who can help you choose the right glasses for your needs and potentially incorporate them into a broader migraine management plan.