About Migraine & Light Sensitivity
What Can You Do To Help People Living With Migraine And Light Sensitivity?
Working as an eye care professional is a choice to serve people living with any number of ocular conditions. Your practice may even specialize in treating specific conditions.
Statistically, nearly 1 of every 5 patients that walk into your practice are living with migraine and light sensitivity. Some may be experiencing a migraine attack during a visit, while others may not have had a migraine attack in weeks. Unless asked, they may not even think to tell you about their condition.
What ECPs Need To Know About Migraine Treatment
Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder and as such is almost always diagnosed and treated through a patient’s GP or Neurologist. Even the American Optometric Association recommends that Optometrists refer patients to their primary care doctor for evaluation and treatment of migraine with aura.
While this is prudent and appropriate, there is also an important role for eyecare professionals to play to as part of a migraine patient’s health and wellness team.
Unlike ocular conditions that can be treated with corrective eyewear, migraine that is impacted by light needs another solution.
Because people living with migraine are often treated by a physician, many take pharmaceuticals to manage their migraine attacks. Some people may also be using Neuromodulation devices to help manage symptoms. Each solution offers pros and cons to the patient. Pharmaceuticals may work but can be costly or hard to get, and often have negative side effects. Neuromodulation devices work for some patients but can be costly, inconvenient, and come with recurring costs.