Throwing some shade on migraine attacks
They’re not just fun, they’re functional (and dare I say fashionable?). Blue-filtered lenses, often marketed as “blue light glasses” or migraine glasses, have become a popular tool for people seeking relief from migraine attacks triggered or worsened by light exposure. And unlike many treatments for migraines, they are available without a prescription. These lenses are designed to filter out specific wavelengths of blue light—typically in the 480 to 500 nm range—which research has shown can exacerbate migraine symptoms in individuals with light sensitivity (photophobia).
Since over 90% of people with migraines experience photophobia, reducing blue light exposure can be a critical strategy for managing migraine frequency and severity. For all you foodies out there, think of it like putting lemon juice in a spicy dish. (In this case, ambient light is the spice you’re trying to avoid!) The lemon juice doesn’t remove the burning taste of capsaicin, but the acidity neutralizes the alkaline compound which characterizes these red hot chili peppers. Blue-filtered lenses, like FL-41 glasses can neutralize the bitter wavelengths of light which contribute to migraines. Not only do these lenses improve subjective reporting of migraine improvement for many, but there is brain imaging evidence indicating precision lenses can reduce toxic brain activity associated with migraines!
Patient testimonial after using TheraSpecs.
What if you do NOT have migraines?
Never fear. Filtered lenses have some proven effectiveness for headaches related to traumatic brain injury, according to a 2024 study, with 74% of patients reporting NO headaches after use of these specialized glasses. More important than identifying the right kind of lenses or other prescription medications is knowing whether light even bothers you to begin with! If you notice certain types of light (sunlight, screen time, etc) trigger your headache attacks, that is the best first step. Avoiding individual triggers for headache attacks is part of any prescription intended to achieve migraine free living.
A word of caution
Not all blue-filtered lenses work the same. Experts recommend lenses specifically engineered for migraine, such as those with FL-41 or Avulux technology, which target both blue and green light and are supported by clinical research. Also, while there are not any serious adverse effects from filtered light (other than those which may affect your wallet), some people don’t get any benefit from these lenses. In either case, these lenses represent a promising, non-invasive option—especially when combined with other lifestyle modifications such as limiting screen time, improving sleep hygiene, staying hydrated, and other commonly recommended lifestyle modifications. Chat with your healthcare provider about options which may work for you.