A new relief for migraine sufferers
Scientists have identified a genetic defect linked to migraine which could provide a target for new treatments. A migraine is a severe, long-lasting headache usually felt as a throbbing pain at the front or on one side of the head and The World Health Organisation rates it as a leading cause of disability. However, a new off-the-shelf spectacle lens has recently been developed, which is specifically designed to help manage and soothe "light sensitive" migraines. We caught up with Ian Pyzer, Optician and Founder of MediView to found out more about the MigraLens.
What is a migraine? A severe, disabling headache, usually affecting only one side of the head, and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and visual disturbances
What causes it? The causes are not fully understood. An attack can be triggered by a smell, noise, lighting, sunlight, computers, stress, hormones, food, skipping meals, dehydration, sleep pattern, strenuous exercise
How many people suffer from migraines? 7% of the population (approx 4 million) of whom 1.7m report that light can trigger or cause sensitivity during an attack
What is MigraLens and how does it work? Research undertaken by Maine & Dowson in to the causes of photophobia linked to migraine found that the red and blue parts of the spectrum were to blame. Migralens was developed to specifically absorb those parts of the spectrum in order to protect the migraine sufferer. Some choose to wear it all the time and others will use it when exposed to light sources that cause them problems or when they feel a migraine starting.
How was it developed? Off the back of the research mentioned above by Dr Dowson and Alan Maine who work in the field of migraine, MediView developed a filter that absorbed light at both the red and blue ends of the spectrum. Migraine Action and MediView ran a pilot study with members who experience light sensitivity associated with their migraines - whether as a cause or symptom during an attack.
How effective is it? The small pilot study of 25 people provided statistically strong results in both reduction of intensity and duration of headaches. In addition, over 70% of the triallists rated them as being very effective for use in sunlight, reflected glare, in fluorescent and halogen lighting. Over 90% rated them as superior to other tinted glasses they had tried.
When should MigraLens be used? As frequently as the user wants. As mentioned above, some choose to use them all the time as they find them very soothing, or use them reactively in certain environments where they are more sensitive to light, or when they detect a migraine is starting.
Does it work for all migraine sufferers? No one approach will work for all migraine sufferers. The ones we suggest would do well to try it are those who know that light can trigger an attack or makes them uncomfortable during or after an attack.
What other migraine treatments are there out there and how does MigraLens compare to these? Mostly people use medication to address a migraine attack, but frequently they look for less invasive remedies to counter the problem. There is no other product available that specifically targets light sensitivity in migraine sufferers like MigraLens does.
What should you do when you feel a migraine coming on? Consult your doctor for advice as to the best approach for you. They will usually look for possible triggers to avoid an attack but may not be aware of alternatives to drugs.
What is the difference between a migraine and a cluster headache? Cluster headaches are not linked to auras, are more severe in intensity and last for shorter lengths of time than migraine. Clusters are less likely to cause light sensitivity or vomiting.
Can MigraLens help treat a cluster headache too? MigraLens is worth trying where ever light sensitivity is experienced.
How much does MigraLens cost? MigraLens can be bought as a clip-on, as an over-spec or made to prescription if you require vision correction. They are also available in a variety of sunglass styles if you do not require prescription glasses.
Buy MigraLens here
20th October 2010
What is a migraine? A severe, disabling headache, usually affecting only one side of the head, and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and visual disturbances
What causes it? The causes are not fully understood. An attack can be triggered by a smell, noise, lighting, sunlight, computers, stress, hormones, food, skipping meals, dehydration, sleep pattern, strenuous exercise
How many people suffer from migraines? 7% of the population (approx 4 million) of whom 1.7m report that light can trigger or cause sensitivity during an attack
What is MigraLens and how does it work? Research undertaken by Maine & Dowson in to the causes of photophobia linked to migraine found that the red and blue parts of the spectrum were to blame. Migralens was developed to specifically absorb those parts of the spectrum in order to protect the migraine sufferer. Some choose to wear it all the time and others will use it when exposed to light sources that cause them problems or when they feel a migraine starting.
How was it developed? Off the back of the research mentioned above by Dr Dowson and Alan Maine who work in the field of migraine, MediView developed a filter that absorbed light at both the red and blue ends of the spectrum. Migraine Action and MediView ran a pilot study with members who experience light sensitivity associated with their migraines - whether as a cause or symptom during an attack.
How effective is it? The small pilot study of 25 people provided statistically strong results in both reduction of intensity and duration of headaches. In addition, over 70% of the triallists rated them as being very effective for use in sunlight, reflected glare, in fluorescent and halogen lighting. Over 90% rated them as superior to other tinted glasses they had tried.
When should MigraLens be used? As frequently as the user wants. As mentioned above, some choose to use them all the time as they find them very soothing, or use them reactively in certain environments where they are more sensitive to light, or when they detect a migraine is starting.
Does it work for all migraine sufferers? No one approach will work for all migraine sufferers. The ones we suggest would do well to try it are those who know that light can trigger an attack or makes them uncomfortable during or after an attack.
What other migraine treatments are there out there and how does MigraLens compare to these? Mostly people use medication to address a migraine attack, but frequently they look for less invasive remedies to counter the problem. There is no other product available that specifically targets light sensitivity in migraine sufferers like MigraLens does.
What should you do when you feel a migraine coming on? Consult your doctor for advice as to the best approach for you. They will usually look for possible triggers to avoid an attack but may not be aware of alternatives to drugs.
What is the difference between a migraine and a cluster headache? Cluster headaches are not linked to auras, are more severe in intensity and last for shorter lengths of time than migraine. Clusters are less likely to cause light sensitivity or vomiting.
Can MigraLens help treat a cluster headache too? MigraLens is worth trying where ever light sensitivity is experienced.
How much does MigraLens cost? MigraLens can be bought as a clip-on, as an over-spec or made to prescription if you require vision correction. They are also available in a variety of sunglass styles if you do not require prescription glasses.
Buy MigraLens here
20th October 2010
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login to add a comment...If you suffer from migraines, these new spectacle lenses could help.
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