How Avulux Lenses Work: Glasses for Light Sensitivity
At least eight out of every ten people with migraine are affected by light sensitivity – that means light either triggers or worsens their migraine attacks. There is only one lens that is clinically proven to help: the Axon Optics Powered by Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lens.
It’s backed by science and trusted by thousands.
But how exactly does the lens work? Let’s take a deep dive into the science.
Not Your Ordinary Tinted Glasses for Light Sensitivity
The lens now known as Avulux was developed after a 2010 study found that certain light wavelengths, between 480nm (blue) and 590nm (amber), can activate cells in the retina called intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). When these cells are activated, they release a substance called melanopsin.
The study found that light can make migraine headaches worse by affecting these cells in two ways: through light detection by rods and cones, and through the release of melanopsin. A 2016 study by Harvard also found that a specific type of green light could help reduce headache pain.
Recognizing this, Axon Optics founder Dr. Bradley Katz of the Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, together with a photonics researcher and ophthalmic entrepreneur, developed an optical filter to effectively block the blue, amber, and red wavelengths of light that can cause discomfort, and that also allow in the green light shown to be soothing. This later became commercially launched as Avulux.
Avulux Migraine and Light Sensitivity Lenses Are Backed by Clinical Research
In a 2020 study, the Avulux lens was compared with a true clear sham lens that did not significantly block any of the wavelengths that are associated with migraine attacks. Through this trial, Avulux achieved clinical and statistical significance when compared to a clear placebo for patients with episodic migraine.
“Migraine is the most common neurologic illness worldwide. It affects 16 percent of women and six percent of men,” says Dr. Katz. “You will find lots of other products on the market that are purported to help light sensitivity and migraine but Avulux lenses are the only lenses clinically proven to enable people to go back to the activities they enjoy rather than having to be in a dark quiet room with sunglasses on.”
