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Man with migraine closing eyes to block out light

Having Difficulty with Your Moment in the Sun or Handling the Bright Lights?

What is photophobia? Well, no, photophobia is not an aversion to getting your picture taken. Photophobia is derived from two Greek words: photo = light, and phobia = fear of. Photophobia is one of the most common symptoms associated with migraine.

 

In the world of healthcare, it is not so much a fear of light, but rather hypersensitivity to light. Not only can light and sunlight exacerbate migraine symptoms it can also trigger an attack. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 80 percent of people with migraines have photophobia.

One of the best treatments for migraine photophobia is precision-tinted FL-41 lenses. Research has shown that wavelengths within the spectrum of 480-520 nanometers (nm) were the most likely to trigger or aggravate light sensitivity such as seen in migraine. Also, fluorescent lights pulse very rapidly and are usually not perceived visually but the brain can perceive these pulsations and trigger migraine as well as eye strain. The precision-tinted FL-41 lenses can protect the brain from both.

Botox® injections are widely known to treat cosmetic issues but also are utilized in migraine prevention. Recent studies have shown that Botox® may also treat photophobia symptoms as well. While Botox® was not designed specifically to treat photophobia, it appears that this may be a positive effect that patients may want to consider when choosing their migraine treatment regimen.

The latest additions to the migraine prevention club are new FDA-approved anti-CGRP medications:   Fremanezumab (AjovyTM), Erenumab (AimovigTM), Galcanezumab (EmgalityTM.). These medications can treat and even prevent attacks—and can also reduce photophobia.

Triptans are not the new kids on the block in the treatment of migraines. They have not shown to prevent photophobia but have proven to alleviate light sensitivity and acute migraine symptoms quickly after onset.

These and other migraine preventative treatment options may be discussed with your pain practitioners at Advanced Spine and Pain. If you suffer with migraines, call us at ASAP, and your future may be so bright you might want to wear migraine shades.  

About

Advanced Spine and Pain is a leading pain management group based in Phoenix, AZ, and quickly expanding throughout the state. Offering minimally-invasive pain care services, the ASAP group consists of Arizona's top pain management specialists, including Drs. Abram Burgher, Todd Turley, and Jarrett Leathem.

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