Helping Treat Migraines, Blepharospasm, Visual Snow Syndrome, Sharp Edge Eye Syndrome, and Other Light-Sensitive Conditions
The John A. Moran Eye Center and its Neuro-Ophthalmology specialists are at the forefront of the treatment of the light sensitivity associated with migraine as well as other light-sensitive conditions:
- Migraine with and without aura
- Benign essential blepharospasm
- Visual snow syndrome
- Sharp edge eye syndrome (SEES)
- Light-triggered seizures
- Computer vision syndrome
Advancing Treatment Technology
Since the 1990s, the Moran Eye Center has studied and advocated the use of FL-41, a rose-colored tint first developed for patients with fluorescent light sensitivity and migraine. Researchers at the Moran Eye Center were the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of the lenses, which block certain wavelengths of light, for the treatment of benign essential blepharospasm. This neurologic disorder results in frequent blinking, squeezing of the eyelids, and difficulty opening the eyes.
In collaboration with the University of Utah's Technology Licensing Office and University of Utah Professor Dr. Steve Blair, Moran Eye Center clinician-scientist Dr. Bradley Katz developed a filter that improves on FL-41 by more effectively blocking those wavelengths of light that can cause discomfort. This technology has been licensed from the University of Utah and was commercialized as Avulux lenses in 2023.
About FL-41 Lenses
FL-41 was first described in a research project in Birmingham, England, in the early 1990s. In this study, children with migraine headaches wore "boysenberry-ish" colored FL-41-filtered spectacles.
The researchers found that wearing the FL-41 filter improved the light sensitivity in these children and lessened the frequency and severity of their migraine headaches. Since then, FL-41-filtered lenses have been used to treat these and other conditions.
Aided by funding from the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation, Moran Eye Center researchers have found that blepharospasm and migraine patients suffer more from light sensitivity vs. people who do not struggle with these conditions. When these patients have their light sensitivity treated, their blepharospasm and migraine symptoms improve.
In tests of FL-41-filtered lenses against conventional gray sunglasses and standard rose-tinted spectacles, Moran researchers found that the majority of patients preferred wearing FL-41-filtered spectacles.
About Avulux lenses
Avulux lenses block the wavelengths of light that are most bothersome to patients with migraine and transmit those wavelengths of light, especially green light, that are more comfortable.
Unlike FL-41, Avulux has the appearance of a neutral, gray tint and does not distort colors. Avulux filtering technology is integrated into the material used to create the lenses, ensuring that each lens has optimal transmission characteristics, the same appearance, and maximum performance. Wearers will also notice that the filtering characteristics of Avulux lenses improve contrast and sharpness.
Avulux lenses are the first to have been tested in a clinical trial and received FDA confirmation of classification to be marketed as general wellness tools, which may, as part of a healthy lifestyle, help people living with migraine. Preliminary research conducted at the University of Utah also indicates that Avulux may help patients with visual snow syndrome and SEES.
Ordering Information
How to Order Avulux Lenses
Avulux lenses will be available in Moran Eye Center Optical shops in June 2024.
The lenses are now available online at Avulux.com.
How to Order FL-41 Lenses
To order FL-41, please download our order and patient release forms.
For more information, contact Patrick Shaw (Patrick.Shaw@hsc.utah.edu) or call 801-581-2352, Option 5
Frequently Asked Questions
FL-41 Lenses
Although we are not completely sure why FL-41 improves light sensitivity, it seems to have something to do with the wavelengths/spectrums of light that are filtered out. FL-41 filters out certain wavelengths of blue and green. These colors are thought to be particularly bothersome to patients with light sensitivity. By blocking these wavelengths of light, this filter also improves contrast and sharpness, which increases visual acuity.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover the cost of adding filters to lenses. However, there may be exceptions, so contact your insurance provider.
There are no known side effects from wearing the filter.
Avulux Lenses
Certain wavelengths of light have been shown to worsen migraine headache pain and even incite migraine attacks. Avulux precisely filters light at certain areas in the visible light spectrum. They can be worn indoors or outdoors without distorting how you perceive color and may help people living with migraine.
Light sensitivity is determined by a specific class of cells in your eye, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (IPRGC). These cells synchronize your body to the light/dark cycle of the day and help your body adjust to jet lag. These cells also regulate light sensitivity by monitoring a blue-green wavelength (480 nm) and a red-orange wavelength (590 nm). Avulux lenses reduce light sensitivity by blocking these two wavelengths of light. Green light is most comfortable for migraine patients, and Avulux lenses transmit these wavelengths.
How do I know Avulux lenses work?
Avulux lenses are the product of eight years of research and development and multiple independent clinical trials. Clinical studies performed with Avulux migraine glasses show that by precisely filtering light, they may help people living with migraine.
Avulux conducted a clinical trial that showed these lenses can reduce migraine-associated pain and light sensitivity. The results of this research may be found here.
Do Avulux glasses work for non-migraine-related light sensitivity?
Research conducted at the University of Utah indicates that Avulux lenses may be helpful for patients with visual snow syndrome and SEES. Avulux lenses may be helpful for other light-sensitive conditions, but more research needs to be done before we can recommend Avulux for other conditions.
Do Avulux lenses block ultraviolet (UV) light?
Yes. Avulux lenses block 100% of UVB (280nm-315nm) and 100% of UVA (315nm-380nm).
What if I don't currently wear glasses? What if I wear contact lenses?
If you don't wear prescription glasses, Avulux offers non-prescription lenses. You can wear these non-prescription lenses over your contacts if you wear contacts. Although not yet available, Avulux is developing contact lens products that will use nanoparticle technology.
What if I wear prescription glasses?
Avulux lenses are available for almost any prescription. If you're not sure, contact Avulux.com with a copy of your prescription and the company can verify that it's available.
What about fit-overs and clip-ons?
Avulux is available as both a fit-over and a clip-on.
Can I place Avulux lenses into my frames?
Yes! As long as they're in good condition, we can place Avulux lenses into your favorite frame.
Why shouldn't I just wear sunglasses?
Wearing sunglasses indoors can dark-adapt your eyes, making you more sensitive to light. Although it's fine to wear sunglasses outdoors, wearing them indoors can make you more susceptible to migraine symptoms and light-triggered pain. If you're currently wearing sunglasses indoors, wear Avulux for at least 2-3 weeks to allow your eyes to adapt to the lighter lenses.
Can I wear Avulux continuously?
Although you can wear Avulux lenses just when you have a headache, experience has shown that they are more effective when worn continuously to prevent a headache from starting. Some patients wear them when they know they will be exposed to triggering lights like non-incandescent artificial light (including fluorescent and LED lights) and computer screens. Avulux lenses are not recommended for night driving.
Proper Lens Care:
- When glasses are worn often, they tend to accumulate oil and debris. Be sure to use cool water to gently rinse the debris off your lenses before wiping them. A touch of dish soap can be helpful.
- Never dry your lenses with a rag, towel, or your shirt! Only use a clean microfiber cloth like the one provided with your Avulux lenses.
- Avoid applying excessive pressure.
- Do NOT use optical lens cleaners, alcohol, hand soap, detergents, abrasive soaps, or commercial cleaning products like Windex.
- Store your glasses in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
Can I use my FSA or HSA card to purchase Avulux?
You can use your FSA or HSA card to purchase Avulux lenses. Be sure to save your receipt in case your carrier requires proof of purchase.
Avulux and FL-41 are not the same. FL-41 was originally developed for patients with fluorescent light sensitivity and predominantly filters blue light. It does not affect the red-orange light (590 nm), which is also critical for reducing light sensitivity. Avulux lenses block the wavelengths of light that are most bothersome to patients with migraine and transmit those wavelengths of light, especially green light, that are more comfortable. Unlike FL-41, Avulux has the appearance of a neutral, gray tint and does not distort colors. FL-41 lenses are made by hand, which means there can be more variability in the appearance of the lenses. Avulux filtering technology is integrated into the material used to create the lenses, ensuring that each lens has the perfect transmission characteristics, the same appearance, and maximum performance. Wearers will also notice that the filtering characteristics of Avulux lenses improve contrast and sharpness.
Avulux lenses are the only lenses approved by the U.S. FDA to be marketed as a general wellness tool that may, as part of a healthy lifestyle, help people living with migraine.
Are Avulux glasses blue light glasses?
No. There is no scientific evidence that blue-blocking glasses can help with migraines or other light-sensitive conditions.
Are there Avulux lenses that get darker outside ("transition lenses")?
Currently, only one type of Avulux lens has been specifically designed to be worn indoors or outdoors.
Are there polarized Avulux sunglasses?
Currently, there's only one type of Avulux lens that has been specifically designed to be worn indoors or outdoors. They are currently not available as a polarized lens.