Understanding Migraines
Migraine and light sensitivity can make screens, bright lighting, driving, shopping and everyday activities difficult.
At Westmead Eyes, we take a broader approach than simply recommending tinted glasses. We assess your prescription, focusing system and binocular vision and allow you to trial suitable lens options before deciding what is right for you.
Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, suitable options may include:
- Avulux® lenses
- our custom light-sensitivity tint
- alternative migraine filters
- an updated glasses prescription
- prism glasses
- management of a binocular vision difficulty
- no specialised tint at all
Our aim is to identify an appropriate and practical option for your individual symptoms, visual needs and budget.
Migraine and Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity is a common and often disruptive symptom for people living with migraine.
Sunlight, computer screens, fluorescent lighting, LED lighting, headlights and visually busy environments may aggravate headaches, visual discomfort, dizziness, nausea or fatigue.
For some people, light sensitivity occurs mainly during a migraine attack. For others, it may persist between attacks and affect their ability to work, drive, study, shop or use digital devices.
Specialised light-filtering lenses may improve visual comfort for some patients. However, not everyone with migraine or light sensitivity requires tinted lenses.
You May Not Need Tinted Lenses
Migraine is a neurological condition, but visual factors can sometimes contribute additional strain or discomfort.
Symptoms such as headaches, eyestrain, difficulty using screens, dizziness or visual fatigue may occur alongside:
- an uncorrected or changing glasses prescription
- astigmatism or focusing strain
- difficulty coordinating the two eyes
- a need for prism
- discomfort when reading or working at a computer
- sensitivity to movement or visually busy environments
- visual symptoms following concussion or head injury
We find that some patients improve with an updated prescription, prism glasses or management of an underlying binocular vision difficulty and do not require a specialised tint.
Finding a binocular vision problem does not necessarily mean that it caused the migraine. However, reducing an additional source of visual strain may make daily activities more comfortable.
For this reason, we recommend assessing your visual system before investing in specialised migraine glasses.
What Are Avulux® Lenses?
Avulux lenses are specialised light-filtering lenses designed for people who experience migraine and light sensitivity.
Rather than simply making everything darker, Avulux lenses are designed to selectively filter particular wavelengths of light while maintaining relatively natural colour perception.
They may be worn indoors or outdoors and are available in both non-prescription and prescription options.
Avulux may improve visual comfort for some people with migraine-related light sensitivity. Responses vary between individuals, and Avulux lenses are not a cure for migraine or a replacement for medical care.
Trial Your Options Before Deciding
People with migraine do not all respond to the same tint, filter or lens design.
During your consultation, we can assess your visual system and allow you to compare suitable lens options before making a recommendation.
Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, we may discuss:
- the Avulux® Original Fitover
- prescription Avulux lenses
- our custom light-sensitivity tint
- other migraine filters
- standard prescription glasses
- prism glasses
- binocular vision management
- no specialised lens treatment
You are not required to purchase Avulux or any other glasses as part of the consultation.
Avulux® Lens Options
Avulux® Original Fitover – $720 per pair
The Avulux Original Fitover is a non-prescription option that can be worn on its own or over suitable existing prescription glasses.
It provides genuine Avulux light-filtering technology without requiring custom prescription Avulux lenses.
The fitover design also provides additional coverage around the eyes, which may be helpful in bright or visually uncomfortable environments.
Prescription Avulux® Lenses – from $1200 per pair
Avulux lenses are also available in custom prescription designs, including:
- single-vision lenses
- reading lenses
- multifocal or progressive lenses
The final price depends on your prescription, lens design, selected frame and how you intend to use the glasses.
We therefore recommend trialling the filter and discussing the available lens options during your consultation.
A complete quote will be provided before you decide whether to proceed.
More Affordable Light-Filtering Options
We understand that prescription Avulux lenses can represent a significant financial investment, particularly for people whose migraine symptoms affect their ability to work.
Avulux is not the only option available.
We also offer more affordable custom light-filtering lenses, including our practice’s own light-sensitivity tint. This is a separate lens option and is not an Avulux product.
Alternative light-filtering lenses are available from approximately $400 per pair, depending on your prescription and required lens design.
Some patients prefer a particular filter, while others find that a different tint—or no tint at all—provides greater comfort.
Your optometrist will explain the differences between the available options and help you identify the most appropriate solution for your symptoms, visual needs and budget, without any obligation to purchase Avulux.
Prism Glasses and Binocular Vision
Binocular vision describes how your two eyes align, focus and work together.
A binocular vision difficulty may contribute to symptoms such as:
- headaches or pressure around the eyes
- eyestrain
- difficulty reading
- discomfort when using screens
- intermittent blur or double vision
- dizziness or motion sensitivity
- visual fatigue
- difficulty in supermarkets or visually busy environments
- symptoms following concussion or head injury
Where a clinically significant alignment difficulty is identified, prism may be incorporated into the glasses prescription to reduce the effort required to coordinate the eyes.
Prism is not automatically recommended for migraine. It is considered only when the examination identifies a relevant binocular vision finding and the patient demonstrates a positive response during testing.
Some patients may find that an appropriate prescription or prism correction provides sufficient relief from their visual symptoms without requiring a tinted lens.
What Happens During Your Assessment?
Your consultation will be tailored to your symptoms and may include:
Discussion of Your Symptoms
We will discuss your migraine history, light sensitivity, visual symptoms and the environments or activities that make them worse.
Prescription Assessment
Your current prescription will be reviewed to determine whether uncorrected blur, astigmatism or another refractive issue may be increasing visual effort.
Binocular Vision Assessment
We will assess how your eyes align, focus and work together at distance and near.
Focusing Assessment
Your focusing system may be assessed, particularly if your symptoms occur during reading, computer use or other prolonged near tasks.
Prism Assessment
Where appropriate, different prism options may be demonstrated to determine whether they improve visual comfort.
Light-Filter Trial
Suitable light-filtering options can be compared before a lens recommendation is made.
Individual Recommendation
Your optometrist will explain the findings and discuss whether Avulux, a custom tint, prism, an updated prescription or another management approach may be appropriate.
All recommended options and costs will be explained before you proceed.
Who May Benefit From an Assessment?
Consider booking an assessment if you experience:
- migraine accompanied by light sensitivity
- headaches aggravated by reading or computer work
- difficulty tolerating screens
- discomfort under fluorescent or LED lighting
- sensitivity to sunlight or headlights
- dizziness or nausea in visually busy environments
- difficulty in supermarkets or shopping centres
- persistent eyestrain despite wearing glasses
- intermittent blur or double vision
- visual fatigue following prolonged near work
- symptoms following concussion or head injury
- difficulty finding a migraine tint that feels comfortable
What Should I Bring?
Please bring:
- your current glasses
- any tinted glasses or sunglasses you currently use
- a copy of your current prescription, if available
- information about previous lenses or treatments you have tried
- details of the lighting, activities or environments that aggravate your symptoms
You are welcome to bring more than one pair of glasses so that we can understand what has and has not worked for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all people with migraine need tinted glasses?
No.
Some patients may benefit from a specialised light-filtering lens, while others may be better managed with an updated prescription, prism glasses or management of a coexisting binocular vision problem.
The purpose of the assessment is to identify which option is most appropriate rather than assume that every patient requires Avulux or another tint.
Can I trial Avulux before purchasing prescription lenses?
Suitable sample lenses can be demonstrated during your consultation so that you can experience the tint before ordering custom prescription lenses.
A brief in-practice trial cannot guarantee how a lens will perform in every environment or during every migraine episode.
How much does Avulux cost?
The non-prescription Avulux Original Fitover is $720 including GST per pair.
Prescription Avulux lenses are individually quoted following your consultation because the cost varies according to your prescription, lens design and frame. They begin from $1200 per pair.
Are multifocal Avulux lenses available?
Yes.
Avulux may be available in single-vision, reading and multifocal or progressive prescription lens designs.
Suitability and pricing will be discussed following your assessment.
Are there more affordable alternatives?
Yes.
Alternative custom light-filtering lenses are available from approximately $400 per pair, depending on your prescription and required lens design.
We can also assess whether an updated prescription or prism glasses may provide sufficient visual comfort without requiring a specialised tint.
Is your custom light-sensitivity tint the same as Avulux?
No.
Our custom light-sensitivity tint is a separate lens option and is not manufactured, licensed or endorsed by Avulux.
Different filters have different characteristics, and people may respond differently to each option. We do not assume that one filter is best for every patient.
Can the Avulux Fitover be worn over prescription glasses?
Yes.
The Avulux Original Fitover is designed to be worn over suitable existing prescription glasses. It may also be worn on its own by patients who do not require prescription correction.
Does Avulux cure migraine?
No.
Avulux is designed to help manage the impact of light sensitivity and may improve visual comfort for some people.
It does not cure migraine and does not replace medical treatment.
Can prism glasses help migraine?
Prism glasses do not treat migraine itself.
However, where a relevant binocular vision difficulty is also present, prism may reduce the effort required to coordinate the eyes and improve visual comfort.
Prism is recommended only when supported by the examination findings and the patient’s response during testing.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to book an optometric assessment.
You should continue to see your general practitioner, neurologist or other treating health professionals for the medical management of migraine.
Medical Management of Migraine
Migraine is a neurological condition and may require ongoing medical management.
An optometric assessment does not replace care from your general practitioner, neurologist or headache specialist.
We may recommend further medical assessment where symptoms are new, severe, changing or have not previously been investigated.
Seek urgent medical attention for sudden vision loss, new neurological symptoms, a sudden severe headache or another significant or unusual change in your symptoms.
Scheduling a Binocular Vision Dysfunction Consultation
If you suffer from migraines and light sensitivity, please schedule a consultation for Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD).
Our optometrists will assess your prescription, focusing and binocular vision to determine whether a visual factor may be contributing to your symptoms.
Depending on the findings, suitable options may include:
- an updated glasses prescription
- prism glasses
- management of an underlying binocular vision difficulty
- our custom light-sensitivity tint
- Avulux® lenses
- another light-filtering option
- no specialised tint
You will have the opportunity to trial suitable lens options and discuss the benefits, limitations and costs before deciding whether to proceed.
You can find futher information about Avulux® lenses & Migraine by visiting:
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