How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for Migraine
Spring is here, and summer is not too far behind. I love all the opportunities to get outside. The longer I live with migraine, the more passionate I become about spending time outdoors on the days that I feel well.
How to make the most of your well days
Having spent too much time indoors in a dark room due to migraine, I want to make the most of the days I feel well.
For me, that means getting outdoors – going for a walk in the neighborhood, taking my daughter to the park, and going to the beach with the family.
Why bright sunlight can still trigger migraine outdoors
However, it’s a bit of a catch 22, isn’t it? You try to maximize your “feel good” days by soaking in some sunshine, but that beautiful, bright sun can also be a trigger for many of us living with migraine.
That’s why sunglasses are not just a fashionable accessory for us migraineurs, they’re a medical necessity, in my opinion. But, if I’m being honest, I’ve never really understood the difference in sunglasses and why the price can vary so greatly. I’ve always just picked the cheapest pair that fit well and looked good.
Tips for choosing the best sunglasses
As I looked into it more, here are the helpful tips I learned for selecting the best sunglasses when you have migraine:
Benefits of polaroid lenses
What are the benefits of polarized lenses? Polarized lenses reduce glare and help to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. This can help to reduce eye strain and prevent migraine triggered by bright sunlight. The good news is that you can find polarized sunglasses at an affordable price, too. After all, we can’t break the bank on sunglasses and then have no money left in our pocket for outdoor activities. It’s all about shopping for the best deals and budgeting.
Why wrap-around frames and larger lenses offer better protection
Sunglasses with wrap-around frames provide more coverage for your eyes and help to block out peripheral light. This can be especially helpful for those who experience migraine triggered by light sensitivity. Larger lenses provide more coverage and help to block out more light, which can be especially helpful for those who suffer from migraine triggered by bright sunlight.
Which lens tints help block light triggers?
Different tints surprised me the most. Did you know that different tint colors can help to reduce glare and improve contrast? For example, amber or brown tints can help to reduce glare and improve contrast on sunny days, while gray or green tints can be helpful in bright sunlight. FL-41 lenses are specifically designed to filter out the painful blue-green light wavelengths that can trigger migraine attacks. If light sensitivity is a big trigger for you, it may be worth asking your eye doctor whether FL-41 lenses are a good fit.
Balancing fashion and function in migraine-friendly sunglasses
I, of course, would add just one final tip – it’s okay to want fashion too. Just because you have migraine doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style.
Living with three chronic illnesses myself, I’m constantly calculating every choice based on my health. However, I get a lot of joy out of fashion too, so while it’s not my priority, I honor the fact that I want sunglasses that look cute too!
There are plenty of sunglasses that are functional, fashionable, and affordable, whether you go with polarized lenses, FL-41 lenses, or both. Find the ones that match your personal style and so you can soak in the summer sun without the pain of migraine.
So, what are your favorite sunglass tips? Share below so we can learn from you too!
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