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Migraine Sunglasses: Effectiveness, Benefits and How to Choose a Suitable Pair

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Photophobia or extreme sensitivity to light is so common in people who get migraines that it is one of the diagnostic criteria. Changes in light levels and exposure to sunlight can trigger a migraine or worsen symptoms in many people. 

Migraines can be debilitating and cause symptoms such as visual disturbances, headaches, dizziness, numbness and tingling, nausea, and even difficulty speaking. It is not surprising that migraine sufferers retreat to a dark room when they feel one coming on. It is important for people who suffer from them to find ways to prevent and manage them. One of the best ways is to use migraine sunglasses to manage light sensitivity.  

How do migraine sunglasses work? 

Studies show that in people who suffer from migraines, the brain’s visual processing center responsible for light sensitivity management is very excitable.  

Migraine sunglasses filter out harmful wavelengths of light that can trigger a migraine or worsen it. Blue-green light from the sun’s UV rays, digital screens, and fluorescent lighting is the worst trigger for migraines. 

Migraine glasses with rose tint called FL-41 work best to ease photophobia. They can filter out fluorescent and blue-green light that reportedly makes migraines worse. These specially designed rose-tinted glasses block out harmful rays and allow good light to filter through so you can get on with your day.  

Ordering migraine glasses online means selecting a frame you like, adding your prescription, selecting an FL-41 glasses package, and receiving your glasses within two days. This is also possible if you already have frames you love and just want to add FL-41 lenses.  

Benefits of migraine sunglasses 

Migraine sunglasses with FL-41 lenses may reduce the frequency of migraine episodes. They can also decrease the duration of an attack. You will find that they ease the discomfort and pain that light sensitivity can cause. They can also reduce the glare from reflected light.  

In fact, migraine glasses can benefit you if you are sensitive to light, even if it does not trigger a migraine. Light sensitivity can have other effects, too, such as causing your eyes to water in bright sunlight. Migraine glasses can even help to block the light wavelengths that cause unsteadiness and vertigo and bring relief to those who suffer from vestibular disorders, such as Meniere’s disease or vestibular migraines.  

Choosing migraine sunglasses 

Finding the right pair of migraine sunglasses will depend on what works best for you. Various types of migraine sunglasses with different color tints and degrees of darkness are available.  

It doesn’t help to order cheap migraine sunglasses that don’t specify the range of blue light they block or how much. Choosing a pair that blocks out blue light wavelengths below 420nm that is not even in the harmful range is a complete waste of money. Researchers have found the most comfortable color for people with light sensitivity is a green hue between 480 and 590nm.  

Speaking to an ophthalmologist can help you to identify your migraine triggers and make suggestions about a lens tint. The wrong type of tint can actually make your migraines worse. Finding tints that only filter out harmful wavelengths is best.  

Migraine Sunglasses: Effectiveness, Benefits and How to Choose a Suitable Pair
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F1-41 Tint: Migraine sufferers are increasingly finding relief with F1-41 tinted eyewear. Validated by research over several years, this rose-colored tint filters out the most harmful wavelengths of blue light. You can get varying FI-41 tints, from light rose pink to a much darker reddish-pink tint.  

Polarization: Polarization is important for the eyeglasses you wear outdoors. Polarized lenses block reflective sunlight. This is the glare you get off the water, roadways, and other flat surfaces. Reflected light can be even more harmful than direct light.  

Large lenses: The larger the lenses in your migraine sunglasses, the more light they can prevent from getting through. Small lenses may look fashionable, but they may defeat the main purpose, reducing the light getting through. Contoured or curved frames can also be a good choice as they help prevent sunlight from getting in through gaps between the face and the glasses. For complete protection, you can add gaskets made from rubber or foam. 

Varying darkness: Tints can vary in color and darkness depending upon your specific needs. People with extra sensitivity may want to wear darker tints. Just keep in mind that if you wear darker lenses indoors, this could make you more light-sensitive over time.  

Lightweight: A good pair of migraine sunglasses should also be light in weight. Extra weight on the face can make symptoms worse during a migraine attack. Some lightweight materials are also very strong.  

Finding the right migraine sunglasses for you will involve testing them yourself because they are all different and can provide varying benefits for different outdoor activities. 

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