New spectacle lenses block light wavelengths linked to migraines
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Key takeaways:
- The Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lens blocks 97% of harmful light that may trigger or worsen migraines.
- The lenses are available in both plano and prescription.
NEW YORK — Avulux announced the U.S. availability of its new spectacle lens designed to block the majority of the light spectrum that has been shown to be harmful to migraine sufferers.
More than 80% of people who suffer from migraine experience light sensitivity, with light triggering or worsening their attacks, according to company literature. The Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lens blocks up to 97% of harmful blue, amber and red light while allowing more than 70% of soothing green light to pass through.
Charles Posternack, MD, the company’s co-founder and president, spoke with Healio at Vision Expo East about the Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lens.
“The idea of the concept of the effect of light on migraines is not new,” Posternack said. “The 480 nm light range, above the blue light blockers, seemed to have a positive impact on migraine.
“Migraine is the third most prevalent disease and the sixth most disabling,” he added. “Nine out of 10 migraine sufferers are light sensitive. Sixty percent of migraine attacks are brought on by light.”
Posternack said his daughters suffered from severe migraines, which piqued his interest in this area.
He began researching the concept in 2011, working with a lab that was a military contractor to develop the product, and conducted a pilot trial in 2016.
“They first put a coating on the lenses, but it was very dark and blocked nearly all light,” he said. “Wearers had to have a wraparound lens. It reflected light. It was too dark to wear indoors and costly to make. The concept worked, but needed to [be developed more].”
Now a photoactive dye is blended into the resin and injected into the lens, he said, absorbing harmful light and allowing good light to pass through.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed the benefits of the lens vs. placebo for people with migraine and light sensitivity, according to company literature.
There are no side effects and no adverse effects related to lens wear, Posternack said.
The lens was officially launched in the U.S. in January, categorized as a “general wellness device,” he said. “We’ve received incredible comments. You could be in bad traffic and get a migraine, and all you need to do is put on the glasses.”
Posternack said the FDA allows labeling that reads: “Avulux Glasses, which absorb specific wavelengths of light, may, as part of a healthy lifestyle, help people living with migraine."
“We neither prevent nor treat migraine,” he said. “We manage the most bothersome aspects.”
While the lenses are sold in several countries, they are made in the U.S. and available online in both plano and prescription, Posternack said. An online practice locator lists locations where samples are available.
Editor’s note: On April 10, 2023, the information on the pilot study and the FDA labeling was updated.
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