*Note: Whilst this post is sponsored by Axon Optics, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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My ‘Brief’ Year with Migraines
A stark scene sits within the fog of my memories, one where I freeze up and stop dead in my tracks in the middle of a mall. My migraines had been quiet for a few days, so I had made a rare trip out of the house with my mother. But those damn migraines were the most unpredictable of all my illnesses – and I live with many. They struck like lightning without warning, a vicious bolt of pain right through the brain.
It’s been 20 years so I don’t remember the exact details of where or how the pain felt like, but I do recall the debilitation. I managed to catch the bus back, and collapsed in bed at once, after drawing all the curtains firmly shut. The painkillers my doctor had prescribed had never worked for any of my migraines, and none of the drugs we had tried were successful at taming them. These excruciating episodes would last for hours, even days, and all I could do was to lie there in agony, and survive them.
As mysteriously as they had surfaced, so did they disappear. Just like that, out of the blue. That was my brief encounter with migraines, and I really empathise with those who have to suffer them on a daily basis. They have such a huge impact on your quality of life, as you’re often trapped in bed, and left to suffer in dark silence. This often leads to mental health issues such as depression over time as well.
The Anatomy of a Migraine (as Opposed to a Headache)
I’ve heard the word ‘migraine’ thrown about breezily, as if it were a synonym for a ‘really bad headache’. Whilst yes, they both have to do with pain in the head, migraines have distinct characteristics which include:
- A throbbing or pulsing pain on one or both sides of the head
- Sensitivity to light, sound, smell and/or touch
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Lightheadedness or fainting spells
There are four phases associated with migraines, although not everyone will experience them all: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome. Triggers vary for every individual, and range from food to stress, sleep, weather and more. You can learn more about them here.
Here’s a simple HIT-6 test to evaluate if those headaches of yours might be migraines, and also a video of how a migraine possibly feels like:
How Does Light Trigger Migraines?
Did you know that our eyes are linked directly to our brains, and that there are two pathways for transmitting information? One transmits visual information, and the other pain. This is believed to be a protective mechanism, such as when the sun is shining directly into our eyes, which can be harmful. But for people with migraines, this does not function as intended, and causes extreme pain instead.
Sunglasses vs Blue-Tinted Glasses vs Migraine Glasses
Many people with migraines retreat to a dark room in order to recuperate; some wear sunglasses to block out remaining traces of light. Whilst this might provide temporary relief, your eyes start to ‘dark adapt’. This level of darkness becomes the norm over time, which leads to an increased sensitivity to light. Hence, this isn’t a good long term solution for pain relief or eye care.
Light comes in a spectrum of coloured waves, each with their own special set of properties, benefits, and harmful effects. Light therapy is increasing in popularity, and you might have heard or even tried treatments such as infrared saunas or photon light therapy.
The digital devices we use emit blue light, which is especially harmful to our eyes. It is also the light frequency that triggers migraines the most. Blue-tinted glasses do help to shield your eyes to an extent, and you can buy them at most optometrists these days. But they only provide minimal, generic protect.
Axon Optics’ migraine glasses use FL-41 filters. Their primary aim is to block out lights that induce migraines and photophobia (light sensitivity). Based on solid research, these filters have proven to be effective for migraine protection, as compared to other types of eyewear. There is a wide variety of frames to choose from at Axon Optics, to suit your individual needs and style.
The Incredible Range of Axon Optics Eyewear
First of all, you do not need a prescription to wear these glasses, although you can add them in. They come in a variety of lenses: outdoor, transition, extra dark polarised, and even contact lens! All lenses come with a premium anti-glare coating, which helps to deflect reflections, scratches, smudges and debris.
Many migraine sufferers own a few different pairs of glasses, which they switch according to their environments. If you are looking for something convenient, transition lens are great for their versatility. If you are looking for more specific coverage, owning both an indoor and outdoor pair of glasses would offer more targeted protection.
Axon Optics’ eyewear also come in an assortment of shapes, depending on the amount of coverage you need. There are the standard frame types, then there are peripheral ones that block out light from the sides as well. Frames with gaskets provide maximum block out, and they also have something that you can fit over regular prescription frames.
Why You Should Try Axon Optics with Confidence
Apart from custom made or prescription items, all of Axon Optics’ products come with a 30 day money-back guarantee, and free shipping within the USA. I think that this is an excellent deal for trying out something that might improve your quality of life. They are also non-invasive and thus do not come with negative side effects. With a wide selection of styles and frames to choose from, I believe that there will be something to suit your needs. Take a look at their online shop to see for yourself!
This list is just a rough guide, and nothing in this review should be taken as medical advice. Always be sure to check with your doctor before you start on any new treatment or protocol, whatever that may be.
Read More: The Narwhal Who Suffers from Chronic Migraines
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For More Insight:
- 5 Weird Migraine Treatments (time.com): http://bit.ly/2rATpjU
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Sources:
- Blackburn, M. K., Lamb, R. D., Digre, K. B., Smith, A. G., Warner, J. E., McClane, R. W., Nandedkar, S. D., Langeberg, W. J., Holubkov, R., … Katz, B. J. (2009). FL-41 tint improves blink frequency, light sensitivity, and functional limitations in patients with benign essential blepharospasm. Ophthalmology, 116(5), 997-1001.
- Waeber, Christian and Moskowitz, Michael A. (2005). Migraine as an inflammatory disorder. Neurology, 64, S9–S15. 10.1212/WNL.64.10_suppl_2.S9