Guest Contributor
Bradley Katz, MD, PhD
Moran Eye Center
Severe headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, vision loss, depression, fatigue. For the nearly 48 million Americans who experience migraine, these symptoms – and others – may be all too common, keeping them from work, time with family, and other activities that are important to them.
Migraine is a complex genetic neurological condition that the World Health Organization ranks among the top 20 most disabling medical conditions. It is so prevalent, in fact, that it likely affects about one in every five of the patients in any eye care provider’s practice.
About Migraine And Light Sensitivity
Research shows that approximately 80 to 90 percent of patients with migraine report light sensitivity during attacks, and 49 percent report that light sensitivity is their most bothersome symptom during a headache.
Recognizing this, I worked with neuro-ophthalmologist and scientist colleagues at the Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, together with industry partners, to develop a comfortable lens that absorbs harmful blue, red and amber lightwaves – which cause the most discomfort – while letting in soothing green light. Through our work, we have seen the prevalence of migraine, the connection to light sensitivity, and how eye care providers can play a role in supporting these patients.
Who Is Affected By Migraine?
On average, as many as 20 percent of an ECP’s patient population may experience migraine. Migraine affects three times more women than men, with women ages 30 to 40 having the highest incidence.
The impact on quality of life is significant. Twenty-four percent of people living with migraine report headaches so severe they have sought emergency room care. Just over half of people with migraine report at least a 50 percent reduction in work or school productivity and 66 percent report at least a 50 percent reduction in household productivity.
The Role Of ECPs In Migraine Care
Given that patients who live with migraine often experience photophobia, or light sensitivity, that either triggers or worsens symptoms, ECPs can help by offering a sub-specialty to support patients in managing the impact of light on their lives.
By recognizing the prevalence of migraine and understanding the impact of light, ECPs can take steps to help photophobia and improve the quality of life for patients. In addition to including questions about migraine in patient assessments, and providing educational materials based on current research and advancements in migraine management, ECPs can collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive complete, well-rounded care.
Offering the clinically proven Avulux lens can help to provide relief for the many patients who experience migraine and light sensitivity.
The Role Of The Broader Medical Community
More often than not, a patient’s first stop in seeking a migraine diagnosis is through their PCP or possibly their neurologist. It is common medical practice (and rightly so) to recommend over-the-counter drugs, or even prescribe pharmaceutical treatments to patients depending on the severity of their migraine. However, there is an opportunity address a broader spectrum of care by building light management into a patient’s migraine wellness plan. With Avulux, headache specialists can now successfully elevate patient care by coordinating with optometrists and neuro-ophthalmologists to prescribe Avulux – much like we do at the Moran Eye Center.