Since some here have noted the problems they are having with artifical light, I thought I would share some information about a special tint used in glasses that is supposed to help those with photophobia and migraines. I learned about it from people who have other eye conditions that cause light sensitivity. The University of Utah has found that a tint called FL-41 has helped some with migraines. Here is how they describe it:
"FL-41 is a rose-colored filter that we have found to be useful in patients with migraine headaches, blepharospasm, and other light-sensitive conditions. FL-41 was first described in a research project that took place in Birmingham, England. In this study, children with migraine headaches wore FL-41 filtered spectacles. The researchers found that wearing FL-41 improved the light sensitivity in these children and also the frequency and severity of their migraine headaches. Since that time, we have successfully been using FL-41 filtered lenses at the Moran Eye Center to treat these and other conditions.
Aided by funding from the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation, we have found that blepharospasm patients are more light sensitive than people who do not have blepharospasm. We have also found that when a patient with blepharospasm has their light sensitivity treated, their blepharospasm symptoms are improved.
Recently we have tested FL-41 filtered lenses head-to-head against conventional gray sunglasses and plain, rose-colored tinted spectacles. We have found that almost all patients prefer wearing FL-41 filtered spectacles.
For more information, contact Mr. Charles Swallow at the Moran Eye Center Lab, 75 N. Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132 or at (801) 585-7800"
You can also go to their FAQ webpage which provides more info and also has a link at the top of the page for Research History and (personal anecodotes). You can send in your own glasses to have the tint added or have them make glasses for you, as in you send them your prescription and they make the glasses with the tint (costs more obviously). They will even make “fake” glasses (meaning non-prescription ones). I bought a pair of non-prescription ones and sent them to them to have the tint added. I wear the glasses occasionally inside and find they help, but you have to get used to the “pinkness” of the tint, as it changes what you are seeing obviously. I haven’t worn them enough to be able to tell you if they are totally beneficial, for I am trying to only use them when I need to, as I want to just let my eyes adjust naturally. However, I do recommend these over wearing sunglasses inside, even if not dark sunglasses, for other research literature notes that your eyes will get used to wearing sunglasses and you will end up needing them if you wear them indoors (as they aren’t made for that purpose.) The service from the U of Utah’s Eye Center was excellent (I called them first and questioned them on everything!) and the turn around time to receive the glasses from them was very reasonable, plus they paid for the shipping.
Just thought some of you might want to know. I am not promoting these folk, but can say that I had a good experience with them and it may be worthwhile for some to get this special tint.
Here is the web address for their FAQ page:
uuhsc.utah.edu/MoranEyeCenter/pa … 1_faq.html
Best, Bonnie