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 are available in Moran Eye Center Optical shops.
The lenses are also 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