precision tinted lenses Archives - Page 2 of 2

21 June 2011

A Patient’s Thoughts on Precision Tints

After yesterday’s post on precision tinted lenses I thought I’d share with you an email I received earlier this year from Shauna in the USA. She had read a post here on precision tinted lenses and decided to investigate further. Here’s what she wrote:

Thanks for your article where you mentioned precision tinted lenses. Because of researching info in that article I found a solution to my MOST frustrating migrine trigger, 24/7 light sensitivity! I have Scoptic Sentitivity! In the US the source for precision tinted lenses is the Irlen Inst. Founded by Helen Irlen. I took the light sensitivity and headache self tests on www.irlen.com and answered every question yes! The tinted lenses that I now have (contacts!) are life altering!! Even my balance and depth perception have been corrected! My migraine specialist had never heard of it and was at a loss to explain my chronic eye pain, etc. Thanks so much!

Glad you’ve found some relief, Shauna! Hopefully your comments will help someone else. 🙂

20 June 2011

The Secret of Precision Tinted Glasses

James Discoveries & Stats, Treatments 3

A new study is helping us understand why precision tinted lenses help some fight migraine attacks.

It’s an attractive idea – a drug-free way to fight migraine symptoms. But although studies are somewhat promising, and some migraine patients have found relief, researchers have been wondering why tinted lenses offer relief.

First, a little background. One clue into migraine disease is that the brains of migraineurs tend to be hypersensitive. They can especially react to certain stimuli, leading to, for example, headaches.

Certain patterns, or alternating patters, are an example of something that can trigger migraine attacks (the same patterns that will make most people uncomfortable – and can trigger seizures in some with epilepsy).

This research, published this month by the journal Cephalalgia and coming out of Michigan State University, used these patterns to test precision tints.

The subjects viewed patterns with no lenses, with grey or control coloured glasses, and then with precision ophthalmic tints (POTs).

The POTs were specifically prescribed to each person using the Intuitive Colorimeter, which basically assigns a tint based on maximum comfort and reduced distortion.

Wearing the POTs resulted in 70% discomfort reduction. Why? The researchers discovered that the lenses supressed activation in certain parts of the brain.

Not only are migraine attacks triggered by visual stimuli, many migraineurs experience significantly increased discomfort all the time, not just during a migraine attack.

Could precision tinted glasses reduce migraine attacks, and promote more comfort and improved vision in general? The answer seems to be yes for many with migraine.

But the research won’t just help us with glasses. It may give another clue into the chain-reaction of migraine, and why some treatments work well for some patients and not for others.

See the study at fMRI evidence that precision ophthalmic tints reduce cortical hyperactivation in migraine

How Sunglasses are helping fight Migraine

James Discoveries & Stats, Tips, Treatments 27

Can sunglasses fight migraine attacks? Yes, but it does matter what kind you buy.

My sunglasses are old. They’re disintegrating. They’ve been stepped on, squashed, scratched – it’s time for something new.

So I started looking around, and I realized that the kind of sunglasses I need are not sold for $10 in a mall kiosk. It took me a while to get over the initial shock of the price, but then I realized that it was my health I was talking about, and that the investment was worth it.

What kind of sunglasses are best for the migraine or chronic headache patient? It’s not an easy question. And once again, as with most migraine treatment, the answer is very individual. But starting with basic quality sunglasses is a step in the right direction.

Basic Sunglasses

Once again, you’re not going to get these for $10. Start thinking in the $100-$200 range… but then again, quality has nothing to do with the logo on the arm of your new shades. So don’t pay extra just to be cool.

First, look for quality. We don’t want cheap plastic sunglasses with some paint on them to make the room look dark.

Next, look for UVA/UVB protection. "100% UV" protection is a little vague for me – I’d rather have some specifications, so ask if you’re not sure. Many sunglasses now have UVA/B/C protection, but since we’re not exposed to much UVC light (unless you’re in the tanning salon) it’s not a priority. Still, that’s usually a sign of quality.

You’re probably also going to want polarized sunglasses. If you’ve never used polarized glasses, you’ll really be looking at the world differently when you first put them on. The cut down the glare – like glare off of the hood of your car. Fishermen have used them for years to cut down on the water glare. (Of course, if you need to see glare, these aren’t for you. If you’re skiing, for example, you need to watch for those ice patches)

What about the tint? First of all, gray and beige/brown tints are popular simply because they tend to give you the most "real" colours. More on tints below.

One more option is photochromic sunglasses. These are the kind that darken in bright light. They’re not for everyone, but if you want to wear them all the time, and are running in and out of the house, it might be an option to consider.

For the cost/quality combination, check out Smith Optics. I find their website rather confusing, but you can also find many of their products on Amazon.

Migraine Sunglasses?

Studies have been done using different types of sunglasses or contacts that block out certain wavelengths of light. For example, some found that a rose tint helped cut the migraine symptoms. Another study found that an optimal tint (not focused on one colour) was better.

The catch is that results tend to be very individual. Until we have more information, your best bet is either to go to a specialist or simply find the tint that you feel is the most comfortable.

The Irlen Institute, for example, is one group that uses colour to alleviate symptoms of various conditions, such as migraine. You can read more at their website.

There are options available to you, but be sure to at least invest in a pair of quality sunglasses. Get a good case, protect them, and wear them.

After that, consider tinted contacts, or visiting a specialist and getting tested. Ask about precision tinted lenses (PTLs) for migraine.