CR Surfacing Laboratories has partnered with lens developer Avulux, offering New Zealand’s estimated 642,000 migraine sufferers a new non-pharmaceutical treatment for migraine triggered or worsened by light.
Inspired to find a solution to help relieve his daughter’s migraines, McGill University alumnus Dr Charles Posternack and his team developed the Avulux lens over eight years. Using a patented precision-tint technology, the company said the lens filters up to 97% of the most painful light in the blue, amber and red parts of the light spectrum while allowing green wavelengths through, without altering the patient’s colour perception.
The technology sets Avulux apart from other types of light-blocking glasses, most of which only block blue light, said Dr Posternack. "Light is a key migraine trigger, but many people don't realise that blue light is not the only culprit. Red and amber light can be just as painful for migraine sufferers. Exposure to these light waves through excessive screen use or sunlight is like adding rocket fuel to a fire for someone experiencing migraine. Avulux is the only device on the market designed to absorb those painful light waves and prevent a migraine attack from starting or getting worse."
Findings from an independent, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial showed 72% of reported migraines in subjects wearing Avulux glasses were free of light sensitivity symptoms at two hours (vs 52% of control). The proportion of headaches for which abortive medications were required was also lower in the Avulux group (22% vs 35% in the control group). Further, recent real-life data from Canada showed 74% (14 of 19) of patients wearing the glasses said they were able to continue their daily activities when they experienced a migraine attack.
“We are the first lab in the world to officially produce Avulux in an Rx form and are thrilled to bring this potentially life-changing lens to New Zealanders living with migraine,” said CR Surfacing’s commercial development director Sasha Sergejew. Patients can ask for Avulux lenses when they visit their eyecare professional, whether they require a vision prescription or not, he said. The glasses can be worn as soon as the patient feels any migraine symptoms or light sensitivity, or during trigger activities such as extended screen time or exposure to harsh light and glare.
