Migraine Management

Migraines are miserable

Migraines rank among the primary contributors to global disability. While a definitive cure remains elusive, strategies exist to effectively control and alleviate symptoms.

Migraines are common

More than 1 billion people across the globe (about 14.7%) experience the impact of migraines. In the United States alone, over 47 million individuals are affected by migraines. These headaches influence 1 out of 5 people during their prime working years (ages 18-55), with the occurrence rising to 1 in 3 among women.

What are migraine symptoms?

• Light Sensitivity

• Debilitating Headaches

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Sound and Smell Sensitivity

• Brain Fog and Dizziness
  
  

What is the impact of living with chronic migraines?

Around 24% of individuals dealing with migraine disease have experienced headaches of such intensity that they required emergency room attention. More than half, or 51%, of those grappling with migraine disease have encountered a notable 50% reduction in productivity at work or school. Additionally, 66% of people living with migraines have witnessed their household work productivity decrease by 50% or more.

What is the need for a light sensitivity solution?

Photophobia, a sensitivity to light, affects approximately 90% of individuals enduring migraine attacks, while about 40% experience this discomfort even in the periods between attacks. Furthermore, light or glare is a trigger for a substantial 30-60% of migraine episodes.

We are proud to now offer The Avulux Lens

Introducing the Avulux lens, a cutting-edge technology introduced in 2022, which holds clinical validation in providing relief to 90% of migraine sufferers through efficient light filtration. It strategically blocks up to 97% of the detrimental white, blue, amber, and red light that amplifies headache discomfort, while permitting calming green light, known to alleviate pain intensity. Serving as a multi-band precision optical filter, the Avulux lens holds potential to be a valuable element of a healthy lifestyle for individuals living with migraines.

What are the benefits of Avulux?

Avulux lenses offer a side effect-free solution, presenting a cost-effective advantage with no recurring expenses as a single pair can effectively guide you through your daily routines. These versatile lenses are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, sidestepping the need for prolonged dark adaptation. Complementing existing migraine medication or medical devices, Avulux glasses are a safe and harmonious addition to your routine. Moreover, these lenses preserve accurate color perception, ensuring that relief is achieved without compromising your quality of life.

Avulux User Guide

• Avulux lenses can be fit into an eyeglass frame of your choice and are available in your prescription or non-prescription lenses

• Avulux plano lenses can be worn over contact lenses

• Avulux lenses are also available as fit-overs or clip-ons

• Wear Avulux glasses continuously if:

  • You suffer from chronic migraines, defined as 15 or more headache days per month with at least 8 days of migraine symptoms per month

  • You experience continuous light sensitivity, during and between migraine attacks

• Screen time

• During any trigger activities

• Under harsh lighting

• When experiencing light sensitivity

• At the onset of a migraine attack or aura

What does this mean for you?

As of August 2023, Avulux lenses are only available in a small number of optometric offices throughout the US. We are proud to have our very own Dr. Nicola certified in fitting Avulux lenses.

What is the science behind these lenses?

The connection between light sensitivity and the human eye's photoreceptors, situated at its posterior, is unsurprising. Among these photoreceptors are rods and cones, traditionally associated with image translation, while notably encompassing ipRGC cells that regulate various light-related functions. Among these cells, a particular ipRGC variant that releases the photopigment melanopsin has been implicated in both light sensitivity and migraines. These melanopsin-secreting ipRGC cells are responsible for pain perception in migraine sufferers, showing peak sensitivity at the 480nm blue light range. Additionally, these cells exhibit heightened activity when exposed to light of 590nm amber wavelength. The understanding of these melanopsin-secreting ipRGC cells' role in migraine pain dates back to research in 2010.

What are the existing migraine treatment options?

A range of options exist for controlling and treating migraine symptoms. These include over-the-counter medications, staying hydrated, using prescription medications at the onset of a migraine, practicing stress management techniques, maintaining proper sleep duration, controlling the environment (light, noise, and smell), engaging in physical exercise, monitoring and adjusting nutritional intake, opting for massage therapy, and considering chiropractic treatments. Prescription medications designed to prevent or reduce the frequency of migraines are also available, as are practices like headache tracking through journals, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and the use of neuromodulation devices such as Cefaly, Nerivio, and Gammacore. These multifaceted options offer individuals a comprehensive approach to managing and alleviating the impact of migraines.

What are the cons of prescription migraine medications?

The cost can be significantly high, often leading to financial strain for individuals seeking relief. Insurance coverage might necessitate documenting prior unsuccessful treatments, adding administrative hurdles. Moreover, patients can develop a tolerance to these medications over time, diminishing their effectiveness. Another limitation involves a monthly cap on the number of pills that can be consumed, potentially restricting access to adequate treatment.

What types of screening questions will my doctor ask me?

1. Have you been diagnosed with, or commonly experience, light sensitivity, migraine, or headaches?
2. Do you find that light can cause you eye pain, strain, or head pain?
3. Do you find yourself avoiding bright light situations?
4. How many days per month do you experience migraine attacks?
5. Do your migraine attacks impact your activities of daily living? (need for a dark room, missed activities or work, your screen time is limited)
6. Would you consider light sensitivity to be your most bothersome migraine-related symptom?
7. Do you experience light sensitivity between migraine attacks?
8. What do you currently do to help mitigate the impact of light sensitivity?