What are FL-41 migraine glasses and how do they work?

FL-41 Q & A

What are FL-41 Glasses?

FL-41 Glasses are glasses that are fitted with a special filter that blocks out certain colour wavelengths. Some people refer to them as migraine glasses, light sensitivity glasses or photophobia glasses. The filter was given the code name FL-41 by Birmingham University after extensive testing in the UK back in the 1990s.
Migraine headaches are a huge problem and can be very debilitating. Migraines affect 1 in 7 people and are three times more common in women than men. Believe it or not, Migraines are more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.
How do FL-41 lenses work?

To understand how FL-41 lenses work the first thing we have to understand is that we don’t see with our eyes, we see with our brain. The image that we look at is received by the brain as electrochemical signals. It’s believed that migraine sufferers find certain colours create error signals that trigger or intensify a migraine.
Much research has gone into why colours can affect our health and wellbeing. But much is still not understood as to why the brain reacts with regards to wavelengths of colour. What we do know is that when we block certain colours, organise or change the way in which the brain receives signals, we can get dramatic effects. A simple example of that would be Polarised lenses or 3D lenses. Many Doctors are aware of the benefits of the FL-41 filter and will recommend them to patients. You may wish to consult yours. We would always recommend that before treating any medical condition you seek the advice of your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) or GP.
Will FL-41 lenses help all sufferers?

Sadly not, we are all unique individuals; we might block a certain colour for one person, whilst the same colour may help another with dyslexia. There is no test whether someone will benefit from FL-41, just like back in the 90s, it’s trying it and see. On a positive note, Birmingham University assembled over 500 migraine sufferers and over 80% benefited. It’s got to be worth a try, start with the tester. If you wear prescription lenses the tester will fit over normal size spectacles. Your only loss, if they don’t help, is the return postage; as soon as the glasses are returned you will receive a full refund.
The natural tendency for a migraine attack is to head for the nearest dark room. This will help, of course, you are removing all light and colour. But that’s just treating the symptom and not the cause. Another common practice is to wear very dark glasses, this has the same effect. The graph below shows the difference between a pair of dark grey lenses in the red line against the FL-41 filter is the blue. You can clearly see the dramatic difference in the mid frequency.
What other condition can FL-41 lenses help?
There are a range of other conditions that can benefit from using the FL-41 filter
- Blepharospasm
- Blink Frequency
- Photophobia
- Sensitivity to fluorescent lighting
- Motion sickness
- Night-time driving
Watch FL-41 seminar

FL-41 Lenses: A Comprehensive Overview

FL-41 lenses are a specialized type of eyewear designed to alleviate visual discomfort associated with certain light conditions, particularly in individuals who suffer from conditions such as migraines, photosensitivity, and other light-sensitive disorders. These lenses are known for their unique tint, which is specifically formulated to filter out specific wavelengths of light that can trigger discomfort and exacerbate symptoms in susceptible individuals.

Key Features:

Wavelength Filtering: FL-41 lenses are characterized by their rusty rose tint. This tint is not chosen randomly; rather, it is carefully selected to filter out specific wavelengths of light. In particular, FL-41 lenses are effective at blocking light in the blue-green spectrum, which is often associated with fluorescent, LED lighting and digital screens. By doing so, these lenses aim to reduce the impact of artificial lighting on individuals sensitive to these wavelengths.
Migraine Relief: One of the primary applications of FL-41 lenses is to provide relief to individuals who suffer from migraines triggered by light sensitivity. Research suggests that certain wavelengths of light can contribute to the onset of migraines in susceptible individuals. FL-41 lenses, by selectively blocking these wavelengths, aim to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Photophobia Management: Photophobia, or extreme sensitivity to light, is a common symptom in various medical conditions, including post-concussion syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and certain neurological disorders. FL-41 lenses are prescribed to manage photophobia by minimizing the discomfort caused by exposure to bright or artificial light sources.
Computer Vision Syndrome: With the increasing prevalence of digital devices in our daily lives, many people experience symptoms of eye strain, headaches, and fatigue related to extended screen time. FL-41 lenses can be beneficial in reducing these symptoms by mitigating the impact of certain wavelengths of light emitted by screens.

Prescription and Non-prescription Options:

FL-41 lenses are available both as prescription eyeglasses and non-prescription versions like clip-ons or fit-overs. Individuals with specific vision correction needs can enjoy the benefits of FL-41 technology tailored to their prescription, while those without prescription requirements can use non-prescription options for specific activities or as a preventive measure.

Considerations and Limitations:

While FL-41 lenses can be highly effective for many individuals, it’s essential to recognize that their efficacy may vary from person to person. Additionally, these lenses may not provide a complete solution for everyone, and other factors contributing to light sensitivity should be addressed in conjunction with eyewear solutions.

In conclusion, FL-41 lenses represent a specialized and innovative approach to managing light sensitivity and related symptoms. As technology continues to advance, these lenses may see further refinement and application in addressing a broader range of visual and neurological conditions. Individuals experiencing light sensitivity or related symptoms should consult with an eye care professional to determine the most suitable solutions for their specific needs.