Utah Doctor Develops Glasses To Get Rid Of Migraines

Sinclair Broadcasting Group (KUTV)

January 21, 2013

Migraines are the most common neurologic disease but soon, there could be a tool to help those migraine sufferers whose headaches are trigged by light.

Nearly 42-million Americans suffer from migraines and Dr. Bradley Katz, an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Moran Eye Center, is working on a solution to help migraine sufferers.

Dr. Katz and his colleagues created glasses after they discovered that wearing eye glasses with a rose colored tint called FL-41 would eliminate a migraines painful symptoms when triggered by light. Through research, scientists discovered that a class of cells in the eye that specifically respond to pain and light sensitivity act as a protective mechanism.

"These cells have nothing to do with vision, nothing to do with seeing," said Dr. Katz. "Their main function is protection so we dont stare at the sun."

Researchers discovered that groups of cells are sensitive at a blue/green color light the exact point at which FL-41 blocks light.

Dr. Katz said he used technology to design a film that would block the same frequency of light that FL-41 blocks, but more strongly. Katz and his partner applied for a patent for the film and are about to start their second round of clinical trials.

"The reason I'm excited about these glasses is that it's a non-pharmacological approach," said Dr. Katz. "It's going to be safe in kids and safe in pregnancy."

For migraine suffers, the glasses have been a live saver. Clinical trials for the glasses begin at the end of January and will take ten weeks.

Modern drugs for migraines can cost $5 per pill. Dr. Katz says the migraine glasses will likely retail for a couple hundred dollars.

To be part of the ten week clinical trial, visit www.axonoptics.com/

(Copyright 2013 Sinclair Broadcasting Group)