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If you experience migraine, you’re probably familiar with one common symptom: light sensitivity, or photophobia. This painful sensitivity can make daily tasks hard, especially when you’re around artificial light, sunlight, or bright screens. To help ease this symptom, many people use migraine glasses, which filter certain types of light and may reduce the chances of triggering a migraine attack.
Two popular brands of migraine glasses are Axon Optics and TheraSpecs. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two brands to help you decide which might be the best fit for your needs.
Migraine glasses reduce exposure to specific wavelengths of light, especially those that can trigger or worsen migraine symptoms. The lenses usually have an FL-41 tint, which helps block blue light found in fluorescent lights, LED screens, and sunlight.
People with migraine and other conditions have preferred FL-41-filtered lenses over other types of tinting. Scientists think the lenses work well because of the specific wavelengths of light they filter. Wearing these glasses may help people with migraine find relief from photophobia.
Axon Optics and TheraSpecs offer migraine glasses designed to reduce symptoms of light sensitivity. Both brands claim to filter harmful light and reduce migraine frequency and severity. However, there are a few key differences between the two when it comes to design, lens technology, and overall effectiveness.
A primary feature of migraine glasses is the ability to filter out blue light, and both Axon Optics and TheraSpecs use some form of FL-41 tint. However, there are slight differences in their approaches.
Axon Optics uses a proprietary lens technology called Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lenses. Axon describes this as an upgrade to the original FL-41 that targets the wavelengths most likely to trigger migraine attacks. The company says their improved lens filters 97 percent of amber, blue, and red light, while allowing green light to pass through. Green light is said to be more soothing.
Axon Optics offers one type of lens that fits into a variety of frame styles. The lenses can be worn both indoors and outdoors.
TheraSpecs also uses the FL-41 tint in a broad range of options for different needs, including protection from artificial lights and computer screens. TheraSpecs lenses come in both indoor and outdoor versions. The outdoor lenses are darker to block more sunlight.
Both brands use lenses that effectively filter blue light and other harmful wavelengths. While Axon Optics offers a single lens option, TheraSpecs has a wider range of choices. Your brand selection will depend on your situation, migraine symptoms, and plans to use your lenses.
When it comes to design and comfort, both Axon Optics and TheraSpecs offer a variety of frame styles, but there are some notable differences.
Axon offers a wide range of sleek frame designs, as well as an option to have your own frames fitted with custom lenses. Axon also has fit-over designs for people who don’t want to change their current frames. The brand describes their frames as lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. The variety of styles includes prescription options.
TheraSpecs describes its frames as durable, lightweight styles designed for comfort. The company offers a range of fit-over and wraparound styles, which may be useful for people who want more coverage from side light. TheraSpecs provides prescription and nonprescription options.
If you prefer stylish, minimalist designs, Axon Optics may be the better option. If you need wraparound frames or want more coverage, TheraSpecs may provide more choices.
Both brands claim to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks by filtering harmful light, and many MyMigraineTeam members have reported success with them.
Some people have noticed that their migraine symptoms improved after using Axon glasses. “Went to the DMV to get the truck title my husband inherited changed to our names,” one MyMigraineTeam member wrote. “Something in the building triggered a migraine. Put on my Axon glasses right away. Love those things. They fit perfectly over my prescription glasses, give extra shielding on the sides, don’t change colors too much, don’t feel heavy, aren’t bothersome on my face, and I can wear them inside. Well worth the price.”
Other members use Axon glasses in daily life, especially at work. “I wear glasses from Axon Optics religiously when around fluorescent lights. My whole workplace except my office is fluorescent!” another member shared. “They are expensive, but I swear they are worth it.”
TheraSpecs glasses have received positive reviews for their ability to reduce light sensitivity and other migraine symptoms. One MyMigraineTeam member commented, “I have two pairs — indoor tint and outdoor tint, TheraSpecs FL-Pro. I found that I need the wraparound style for the outdoors since I would catch a glimpse of light in the corner of my eyes.”
“I have TheraSpecs — an indoor pair and an outdoor pair. They have been the best things I have for light sensitivity!” another MyMigraineTeam member shared. “When I go to Walmart or stores like that, I wear my indoor pair, and they help with the lighting immensely! Outside in the sunlight, I love my outdoor pair. You won’t regret the purchase!”
Still another member wrote, “I’ve had mine for over two years now, and some days they are the only reason I am able to go outside.”
MyMigraineTeam members have shared positive feedback about both brands. If you’re considering these glasses, it may help to read online reviews or ask your neurologist which brand could be a better fit for you.
When considering migraine glasses, price can be a deciding factor. Both Axon Optics and TheraSpecs are premium brands, but their pricing structures differ.
Prices for Axon Optics start at around $335 for nonprescription migraine lenses. Prescription options are $535 and up.
TheraSpecs glasses start at around $100 for nonprescription lenses. Prescription lenses begin at about $180.
TheraSpecs glasses may be more affordable, but it’s important to find out how much each company will charge based on your prescription strength and customization needs.
Policies for returns and exchanges can make or break the experience when purchasing migraine glasses, especially if you’re unsure about the best pair for you.
Axon Optics offers a 60-day return policy for glasses that are nonprescription or aren’t custom-made. Domestic exchanges are free. The company pays for return shipping of incorrect or defective glasses and will exchange the item for the same make and model for no extra cost.
TheraSpecs offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on nonprescription, noncustom glasses. A one-year manufacturer’s warranty covers defects and damage that are the fault of the company. The warranty won’t cover accidental breaks.
Both brands offer ample time to try out your migraine glasses, but you may need to pay for shipping. Prescription and customized glasses might not be refunded or exchanged for free.
Choosing the right migraine glasses may help you manage your migraine symptoms, but it’s important to talk to your neurologist first. They can confirm whether glasses are a good addition to your migraine treatment plan and may suggest a brand that should work for you.
MyMigraineTeam is the social network for people with migraine and their loved ones. On MyMigraineTeam, more than 83,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with migraine.
Are you living with migraine? Have you found a pair of migraine glasses that works for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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Angelica Balingit, M.D.
is a specialist in internal medicine, board certified since 1996.
Learn more about her here.
Joshua Carlucci
is a writer from Los Banos, California.
Learn more about him here.
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