IN ANCIENT EGYPT, it was thought there might be some health benefit to looking through yellow light to cure parasitic worms. If that worked or not we’ll never know. But, these days, when dealing with patients who have headaches, movement disorders, macular degeneration, or cataracts, there can be health benefits in suggesting they use certain colors of tints in their lenses. Some tints can help patients calm their movements and reduce the severity of their headaches by regulating light and glare. The two properties to consider in all tints are the wavelengths of light that the tint filters out, and the darkness of the tint.
Eschenbach
Absorptive Filters called Acunis FL-41 are designed to reduce the transmission of select light wavelengths responsible for glare and to help those with acute light sensitivity due to migraines, traumatic brain injury (including concussions and blepharospasm) and other eye conditions.
(800) 487-5389 | eschenbach.com
Photoprotective Technologies
The manufacturer of melanin used in lenses, they have been awarded a US patent for a sun lens that uses fluorescent dyes to absorb harmful UV and HEV light. The lens then re-emits that energy as fluorescent light at the red and near infrared wavelengths associated with retinal repair. Shown here are Melavision sunglasses with melanin lenses.
(210) 493-6353 | melaninproducts.com
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Eyenavision and Avulux
The new Chemistrie Avulux clip-on uses Avulux lenses that block harmful light waves linked to triggering or worsening migraines paired with Chemistrie’s patented clip-on system.
ecp.avulux.com | eyenavision.com
BPI
BPI sells a huge selection of therapeutic tints and lenses complete with frames or clipons. By filtering out UV and blue light, you can reduce glare and usually improve discomfort for patients suffering from conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Asperger’s syndrome and dyslexia.
(800) 225-5274 | callbpi.com
Gunnar Optiks
Plaid, the latest addition to their Alloy Collection, are hyperlight magnesium alloy glasses purposefully engineered to combat the symptoms of computer vision syndrome.
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Smart Ways to Sell Lens Tints For Health
Scott Keating, OD, Vision Trends by Dr. Scott Keating
Dover, OH
We know polarized sunglasses are good for water, but from my experience BPI’s IR Blue tint can help movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease. I experimented with my patients, and we had tremendous success with it. Hands down patients experienced less movement, and they could walk and eat better. It seems this tint on their prescription lenses blocked certain wavelengths to the brain and had a calming effect on their muscle system. When I tell patients about lens tints most have never heard of them and because I recommend them in the exam room, they understand it’s a medical recommendation. This sets my office apart. The most common tint doctors use for health reasons is BPI’s FL-41 tint for migraines and headaches.
Thomas Porter, OD
Director of Low Vision Services at Saint Louis University
St. Louis, MO
Eschenbach’s tint, Acunis FL-41, was originally discovered for intractable migraines and then it became of interest to some neurologists dealing with patients who have had a stroke or traumatic brain injury. It’s helpful in that the wavelength of light can change the patient’s perception and the darkness of the tint can reduce their light sensitivity. It can be provided as a slipover, a clip-on, or we can have their Rx custom made in tinted lenses. It’s a unique tint that is a boysenberry color. For patients using it it reduced the severity of their migraines and enhanced the contrast and control of glare in patients with traumatic brain injury.