I get asked almost daily which migraine glasses are best and what the difference is between Axon Optics vs. Theraspecs, and comparing both of them to Migraine Shields and Avulux. In this post, I’ll also answer how FL 41 glasses differ from blue light blocking glasses both in tint and effectiveness, as well as how each brand is unique in lenses, prescription, and frames.
Throughout the years, I’ve tried many different brands of glasses for migraine. Over 4 years ago, when I was officially diagnosed with Vestibular Migraine, all my work was done on a computer. For 8-10 hours a day, I’d squint at watch designs, tiny specs, and loads of excel worksheets under the florescent lights of my office. It was a complete nightmare! I used to come home and just want to keep my eyes closed the rest of the night for relief. That’s when my neurologist recommended FL-41 lenses, which have the pink tint. My first pair was Axon, and although they did help, I think my trigger load was just too high to see a lot of benefits.
Once I left my job and started working on Dizzy Cook, I was able to control my environment a little bit better. I am still in front of screens for most of the day between writing posts, editing photos, and answering questions, but I’m able to take breaks more often or spend a day cooking if screens are just too much.
On the days I am on the computer, I can tell such a difference when I wear my migraine glasses. Not only do my eyes feel more rested and less strained, but it really does decrease any build up of dizziness. Sometimes if I go without them, I can feel my brain start to get frazzled and my eyes ache.
With vestibular migraine especially, stores like Target or the grocery store can trigger dizziness. I used to go with a hat, glasses, and ear plugs just to try to make it through. Not only is it the bright lights, but also the way the shelves are lined, the plethora of different designs on packaging, and the overall background noise. These types of glasses can be helpful for this experience as well, and I’ll go into detail on that within the breakdowns.
Full disclosure, I’ve worked with all four brands in some capacity. All brands have gifted me lenses to trial at some point and I make affiliate commissions from sales using my code with Axon, Avulux, and Migraine Shields. None of them have paid for this post in any way - it is all my personal opinion.
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Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Blue light blocking glasses are not created equal. So often I see people order cheap ones from Amazon which don’t specify what range of blue light they block, or how much. You could be blocking blue light that’s not even in the harmful range, below 420nm, and it’s a complete waste of money. The highest range of energy with blue light is between 400-440nm, and this is usually what is associated with digital eye strain. Above that, between 440-500nm, is what effects the sleep/wake cycle. I actually see this range varied on different sites - some say it’s between 460-500nm.
Either way, anything above this range of 440-460nm can actually be considered “good” blue light because it controls the secretion of melatonin. This is essentially the type of light that makes you feel more awake, happy, and energized. In fact, light therapy that’s used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD) is used within this range.
So before you set out to buy glasses that block out the blue light in a higher range, like the FL-41 lenses, consider this in your purchase. Will these be used during working hours or do you prefer to use them before bed?
Migraine Shields
What makes Migraine Shields a little bit different is they are blue light glasses intended for migraine, but without the pink FL-41 tint. The tint is like a very faint yellow, which I don’t really notice once I put them on.
Their lenses come in two styles, the Everyday Lens, which is full protection that blocks 45% of blue light at 455nm which is what digital devices are. This is actually 17x more protective than other blue light lenses and is good for everyday use.
This lens is a little less protective than the Episodic lens. You can see it's got a little bit of a yellow tint to it. This blocks 59% of blue light and is 20x more effective than other blue light lenses.
I prefer the everyday lens for my work as the episodic lens is just a little dark for me. Just like the name says, I find it best for “everyday” to prevent any attacks associated with digital eye strain. If you’re looking for something to wear during attacks that’s slightly darker, the episodic might be best for you.
- The Pros - I love Migraine Shields for computer work cause I know it gives me good protection against blue light from my devices, but doesn’t cause heavy color distortion. This is wonderful on the days where I need to edit photos or view my work without a pink hue. The Melora fit my face really well and don’t slide down my nose, while also being fairly light in weight. They’re also slightly less expensive than other brands, especially when discounted, running about $110-120 in price. Often they run deals which will be even lower. You can get them in prescription reader lenses.
- The Cons - If you are severely light sensitive or need to block an upper range of light that would affect your sleep schedule, you may need something darker. Often people find the FL-41 (pink) tint to be therapeutic, and this is the tint that has been studied particularly for migraine patients. They also currently don’t carry regular prescription lenses or glasses that fit over prescription lenses.
Migraine Shields gives 25% off lenses with code: THEDIZZYCOOK
FL 41 Glasses
This actually goes back to several studies, but one interesting one is through Dr. Burstein, who you may have seen on the Migraine World Summit discussing Green Light Therapy and the Allay Lamp. His research team found that the color most comfortable for those with light sensitivity is between 480 and 590nm, which is a green hue.
In 2016 Dr. Bradley Katz set out to create a lens that blocked 480nm of light, which his research showed was most irritating for people with light sensitivity, but without being super dark or having a significant distortion. This is how Axon Optics came to be developed in 2011.
FL 41 tinted glasses have been studied for people with migraine more specifically than blue light blocking only lenses. While the findings are significant, the studies are also done in part by parties who are associated with the manufacturing of FL 41 lenses.
Axon Optics
Axon used to use FL-41 tint to reduce light sensitivity and symptoms during a migraine attack, as seen in the picture above. But recently, they've changed to upgrade to the new Avulux lens technology, but using their existing frames! So the lenses are no longer pink tinted and will look like Avulux, but with different frames.
- The Pros - Axon has really great styles and now their lens technology has been upgraded to be the same that Avulux offers, which you can read more about below. They also offer a fit over style as well as a build your own style, where you can send in frames and get the lenses to match.
- The Cons - Axon used to cost $189, but are now priced the same as Avulux. This is because of the upgraded technology, but still, $300 can be hard to spend on lenses. My discount still applies, so you can use THEDIZZYCOOK for $25 off.
TheraSpecs
TheraSpecs also uses FL 41 tint for their lenses, but their tint is a little more pink/reddish. They were developed by a Migraine community member who understands what it's like to live with this illness. They claim to block up to 25x more blue light (up to 80%) than other blue light blocking glasses at the higher level of 480nm.
TheraSpecs has the darkest tint of all 3 lenses and I believe this is why they're extremely popular with the chronic migraine community. At the last Migraine World Summit event I attended, everyone was wearing the Audrey wrap glasses. These also come in Indoor and Outdoor lenses, which are polarized sunglasses.
In addition to the FL-41 tint, they also offer polarized outdoor lenses which are 100% UVA/UVB blocking and offer glare protection. Their glasses are in the lower range at $119-149 and they will occasionally offer discounts!
- The Pros - TheraSpecs have a much darker reddish-pink tint, so if you're used to wearing sunglasses inside everywhere (which is not good as it makes you more sensitive to light over time), this is a great product to transition to. They're really effective in big box stores like Target or the grocery store, especially during an attack. They also offer a “wrap” style which fits over prescription lenses. I’ve also heard wonderful things about their polarized outdoor lenses, I’ve just never got to try them myself! They’re one of the more affordable brands as well, especially when they have a discount code.
- The Cons - Their pro is also their con sometimes. These are more dark and colorful, they often make it difficult for me to work on photo edits with good clarity. I also sometimes feel like my screen is more distorted when wearing these. I wish they had more fashionable frame styles to choose from! The super pink tint makes me self conscious sometimes. Usually if I’m wearing these, it is always a time I don’t want to talk about my migraine disorder and just want to get in and out of a store.
Avulux
Avulux is different than all other three brands, blocking 97% of blue, amber, and red light, while letting 70% of green light through. The interesting thing about Avulux is they take advantage of the studies done on soothing green light that I mentioned above, which is also the science behind Allay Lamp. Although I never found green light therapy to be successful at reducing dizziness (since I don't get head pain with vestibular migraine attacks), it did help with lowering anxiety and promoting more restful sleep. I found the same to be true with wearing Avulux lenses.
Another great selling point for Avulux is they have independent studies done specifically on their lens technology, which shows 74% of participants reduced their amount of medication needed to continue daily activities, and 38% prevented light-triggered pain. No other brand has this amount of clinical research behind it.
Avulux comes in a variety of frames and although their lenses look darker in pictures, the coloring isn't far off from what you see in the episodic lenses of Migraine Shields. While they're more noticeable that you're wearing some kind of special lenses, it's not quite as obvious as the FL-41 pink tint. They ship non-prescription lenses internationally, but prescription lenses are only available in the USA. You can even place their lens technology in your own frames.
- The Pros - Avulux has the science behind it, they're lightweight and fashionable, and they are really effective in big box stores with fluorescent lights. I also found them to be helpful when driving, as well as wearing them to block out blue light from my phone before bed. If you find yourself on screens later in the evening, these will definitely help you with more restful sleep and make scrolling on the phone less of a trigger. They really do offer everything - from prescription lenses to international shipping!
- The Cons - I had to wear Avulux regularly at the beginning of testing to get used to looking at my computer screen. Since I am so visually sensitive with vestibular migraine, there was an adjustment period to my large computer monitor. At first it made my eyes feel off and gave me a little bit of that floaty feeling. I didn't have the same reaction when wearing them while looking at my phone or tv, which felt totally normal. This dizziness went away after about a week of wearing them regularly, but it is worth noting if you experience this initially that there can be an adjustment period. The price is also a drawback, but glasses with independent studies behind it don't come cheap. Basic lenses are $299.99 USD to start.
If you're interested in trying Avulux, they offer $25 off with code THEDIZZYCOOK and also a 60 day easy return policy.
So Which Migraine Glasses are Best?
All four brands are really solid companies and I have owned and used all of them in my five years of dealing with chronic and episodic vestibular migraine. The truth is, they’re all very different and good for specific activities.
At this point in my migraine journey, it’s also a little difficult for me to compare them. I’m more episodic now and really only deal with eye/head pressure and dizziness when I’m on the computer too long, whereas before I was trying to solve a mountain of issues like vertigo, derealization, etc. with FL-41 lenses.
- I currently find the most relief from my dizzy symptoms and eye strain specifically caused by the computer with blue light blockers from Migraine Shields. This probably has more to do with the amount of screen time for my job. I spend so much time squinting while editing photos and writing posts that I really enjoy the tint being so light and not skewing colors very much.
- Where I see the most benefit with Axon is when worn out to a restaurant or for a workplace where your work won’t be skewed by a tint. They're also really good for evenings when you're scrolling on your phone but need to "turn off" your brain.
- I think TheraSpecs are best for those with really severe attacks as an alternative to wearing sunglasses, or for super bright big box stores. Readers really enjoy the wrap around lenses.
- I've only been trying Avulux for a couple months now, but I've noticed the lenses to be very calming for my eyes. I definitely have less eye strain and sleep better using them to look at screens in the evenings. This is a really solid brand if you need prescription lenses and can spend a little more money. If you're in a chronic stage, I'd say this is probably the best option.
In conclusion, finding the best migraine glasses involves testing them yourself. All these companies offer fantastic return policies, so order a few and then return the ones that aren't a fit for you. I hope they don’t hate me for saying that, but it’s truly the only way to know what will work best. What suits me best, may not suit you. I do hope I offered a little more insight into the differences between all four lenses.
A Note on Sunglasses
The most important thing to note, and why I added my sunglasses photo, is wearing sunglasses all the time indoors can actually increase your light sensitivity. Therefore you may actually be making your symptoms worse in the long run for short term relief.
Investing in one of these migraine glasses may have good long term effects on decreasing that sensitivity overall.
More Posts on Migraine Glasses
For more information on these lenses for migraine, check out the following posts.
Natural Migraine Treatments
TheraSpecs for Vestibular Migraine
Gift Guide for People with Migraine
How to Relieve Migrainous Vertigo
My Vestibular Migraine Treatment Plan
This post was originally written January 4, 2021 and was updated March 3, 2022 with new information on Avulux lenses.
Great info. The closest thing I have to any of these are Transitions DriveWear in my prescription. They are a greenish/yellow indoors, copper in the car, and bronze outdoors, and always polarized. One day I put them on at my computer and felt an immediate sense of relaxation and improved clarity. Fortunately the polarization aligns perfectly with my LCD ultra wide monitor. Wondering if purpose made migraine tints would work even better?
I think these are better for the computer than driving. I prefer polarized for day driving.
Thanks for the reply. Just made your Cinnamon Oat muffins.. yum!
Hi,
First, Thank You so much for this posting. It helps alot. I had a brain tumor removed from on top off my Optic Nerves. They got it all out but I am now having severe problems with Fluorescent Lights only Total white out whenever I am in a place that has them. Offices, hospitals, stores etc.
I am trying different brands as per my Neuro-Opthalmologist to try & help.
So far I am fine in natural full sun daylight & regular house lights. Tried Thera-specs - too pink & when I came out of the PT Office & removed them, EVERYTHING turned green? So returned those. Also got the Axon wrap but had to return those, cut into my eyebrows. Thinking on trying those in a different style.
Any ideas on which ones you think might work best?
Much Thanks, Dee
Hi Dee,
For fluorescent lights I would recommend the Avulux lenses the most. They let in therapeutic green light and don't have a pink tint like the others. Migraine shields is great for computer work but don't have the same science of letting in the green therapeutic light, but I love their styles!
Thank you Alicia!
I haven't looked at Migraine Shields yet but I was thinking that the Avulux would be best also. I'm so glad you have this post!
Sure thing! They all have great returns so give them a try and then switch it up based on what works for you!
The information is fantastic. Where do you purchase these lens - glasses ?
I would love to try them. Thank you for all the research!
Hi Cindy,
You can purchase each of them at their respective websites, which I have linked for each one. Remember to use my discount codes to save a bit!
Dear Dizzy Cook. I am trying to find the Episodic Migraine Shield glasses and cannot. The Migraine eyeshield website does not label any of its glasses with either everyday or Episodic. Can you assist.
Thank you,
Jackie Johnson
jjohnson6560@gmaill.com
Hi Jackie - on the right side of their product page (whichever lens you choose) you will see two boxes, one for episodic and one for everyday. Click one of those.
This post is so helpful!!
Do the avalux glasses provide enough protection to be worn like sunglasses? I love my theraspecs sunglasses but I could use another pair. I didn't feel migraine shields episodic lenses did a whole lot for me (probably bc then frames don't provide a lot of coverage). I do use their everyday lenses in my reading/computer glasses.
Hey Mary - I think they're a little too light to be worn outside for sunglasses, but they are darker than migraine shields. I feel like Avulux is best for out and about in stores and stuff, or on more symptomatic days, and I still like the migraine shields for the computer glasses - like you do! For sunglasses, I just do regular polarized lenses.
Hi, I"m looking for migraine light-blocking lenses and I really enjoyed your review. Thank you! I've noticed there is another brand out called Avalux and I am comparing them with Axon. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I have in the past noticed that a rose/copper color has helped so I am trying to distinguish between these two (or any other brands) out there. They are not cheap so it becomes a big decision as it's a big investment. Thank you for publishing on this.
Hey Lesley,
I've actually been testing them the past few weeks and will update this post soon if you don't mind waiting! Just wanted to give it a variety of situations for a fair review. If you want to email me, I can let you know what I've found so far.
So glad to hear your explanations. On the other hand, so sad not able to buy one of these glasses.
I'm from Brazil, and here we don't have these options. Actually, we don't have any options specific for migraine.
I have the same problem as you, and I suffer every day to use my phone and pc.
Today I used a lens with blue light control, but it's not enough for me.
Im thinking to make a glasses with light brown and pink color, but I don't know if it's gonna work.
As I can see, the technology behind the lens is more than a simple color.
However, your explanations about these glasses bring me hope that one day I'll have a better quality of life!
Thanks so much!
I'm so happy to hear that! I hope you can find a great brand there!
Do you have any current promo codes for theraspecs or aconoptics ?
Question then comment - You are wearing the Audrey style in one picture but they do not seem to block light frm thebsides- and light from the sides are a major problem - they have skinny arms on the frames correct? I have photophobia NOT migraines after cataract surgery. There seems to be a link between blepharospasm, a rare illness, and photophobia and dry eyes. I am extremely light sensitive. Physicians who are experts on photophoboa agree with your advice to not wear sunglasses indoors since it makes your eyes even more sensitive. Two more companies are mentioned in the Q and A so I wish you had reviewed theirs as well.
They make a wrap style you might want to look into. I have a lot of hair that comes down the sides of my face so I don't necessarily notice a lot of light coming in on the sides. I don't understand your last comment about the companies that were not reviewed?
tks for responding. Since I live in FL I pull my hair back a lot. My need and many others who have photophobia but not migraines may be different. My eyes are not nearly as sensitive outdoirs when wearing regular sunglasses especially if I wear a brim. The worst is indoor an apt with close overhead lamps or lamps nearbye especially if the bulbs are florescent or clear white bulbs. The worst is reading my phone or laptop even with the blue light filter on them turned on. It's not nearly as bad in stores in which the ceilings are high. People who have a problem after cataract surgery have a different problem than people with migraines. After cataract surgery, people can develop a problem in which they see the sides of the implanted lenses (iols) . It is called negative dysphotopsia. The test is cupping your hands to the sides and a bit on top to see if this problem goes away. Doing this blocks the light.I have a weird, unique problem in which my eyes are having tiny spasms in my under eyelids, shaking my eyeballs and the implanted lenses and my irises, so the light appears to be flickering, moving with the tiniest of eye movements. It took 5 opthomologists/neuro-ophthomologists before it was noticed. So, the brighter light now that the cataracts have been removed may be stressing my eyes so much that they are causing the muscle spasms which are causing light flickering dancing. Or it may be that the spasms were there all along, but the brighter light now without the cataracts removed is flickering off the sharp square edges of the implantedlenses. In either case the photophobia is a major partofthe proble. The.problem is much better if I cup myhands around the sides ofmy eyes and around thetop a bit.Ifind the Theraspecs are like wearingsunglassesindoors whichas leading photophobia physicians in the utah Eye Center sasay makes it worse in the long run with your eyes becoming dark adapted. Also, I amconcerned that the darkerpink majeswalking indoors especiallyat night a little unsafe. I have been trying both the overglasses by Axon and Theraspecs. I may wear ones that block side light and top light with taking out the lenses to make sure that the improvement is not just due to the light from sides and top being significantly blocked. I haveanoth problem since i needglassesto read so I will need bifocals with just the pink tint exceptforthe reading glasses part of them. Don't know if can handle bifocals- afraid might make it possible to trip indoors. Otherwise, when indoors, I will have to wear plain pink Axon lens ones in frames I buy that block side light (thick arms on glasses) and switch constantly to reading glasses that are f41 in frames I buy that block side light (thick arms). Horribe issues since cataract surgery.
Hi Max,
I also have been having terrible issues since having cataract surgery (fall 2021) followed by Yag surgery (2/2022) to clear up the film that developed on my new lens after my original cataract surgery. Not only am I dealing with photophobia but also what I believe to be vestibular migraines. I currently am using glasses from AxonOptics but I don't think they are dark enough. I get very dizzy when I am on my computer. I just ordered a pair of glasses from TheraSpecs to see if they are any better. If you would like to chat pls contact me via email
Do you recommend a blue light filtering screen protector for your phone?
It's worth a try. I just turn the brightness down on mine and use dark mode.
I have an app called Twilight that lets me adjust brightness and temperature (how amber it is) individually.
I have been looking and researching on different vestibular disorders and ways to help my issues. I haven’t been formally diagnosed with anything by a doctor yet but I experience vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, disequilibrium, photophobia, and a few other symptoms. I notice my symptoms are so much worse when I go out in public like grocery stores or restaurants which gives me terrible anxiety just thinking about it and thinking “is it going to happen when I’m here” it’s so frustrating and scary to experience these types of symptoms. I just read your article about the glasses and there are so many options and I don’t know where to start.
I want to try out one of these since I’m extremely sensitive to the light like the grocery store and that’s where my attacks happen A LOT.
Which glasses would be a good start do you think?
I’ve thought about seeing an eye doctor first because I need regular glasses as I’ve noticed my vision is a bit blurry now especially far away. Do you think an eye doctor would know anything about these glasses or about light sensitivity and vertigo or is that a speciality for a different doctor.
Thank you for posting all the articles you do they are really helping me to understand the different ways to cope, the different disorders, and more importantly that I’m NOt alone ❤️
My advice is to look at what you really want and see how it matches with the above comments. It's hard to say one company is best to start with because they all have pros and cons depending on what you want. What I would do is order them all, test them out, and send back the ones you don't like. That way you know for sure.
Julie, you are not alone. I’m a tough active competitive athlete. I’ve self diagnosed and have the vm symptoms. It’s so scary going out and not knowing whether I’ll make it home. Thank you for sharing that.
I’m waiting on a a Dr appt for a referral and reading everything I can.
My eyes are always sensitive. Im looking for glasses, too. Im also, in the process of eating small meals, water, more sleep and less stress. I have had 2 days of no episodes 2xs. Im hoping to increase it. Please feel free to contact me. Thanks to Alicia. What a lifesaver!
Thanks for this post! Any recommendations for adding a tent to existing prescription lenses? My mom finds the computer to be her biggest light trigger but needs to wear her glasses for acuity when on the computer. Thanks in advance!
It depends on the prescription but all of these companies can do prescription lenses in some way.
I love my Irlen lenses which I’ve been using for over 10 years. Interesting that mine are a purple colour, a blend of a pink hue and teal green hue.
Great write up!
I was a longtime sunglass wearer, but could never get used to wearing them indoors. In my search, I was ultimately between FL-41 and Avulux. I ended up going with the Avulux glasses which have precision filters that they mention target the upper blue and upper amber/red range while allowing in plenty of green light. They've run some successful studies, too. I find them immensely helpful and they're color neutral.
P.S. if you're an iPhone user, jump into settings and look for 'reduce white point', life saver when I'm scrolling in the dark.
-Peggy
Amy, I don’t see that setting on my iPhone 12. Any ideas. My eyes are sore.
Hi Alicia,
Thanks for sharing these, Ill def get a pair. I was wondering what you think of those phone apps that make the screen darker and yellowish to be more easy on the eyes. There are also settings on the computer to change the screen and block blue light... are they as effective as glasses?
They don't do the same thing but they are helpful. A lot of people like flux.