How Do Tinted Contact Lenses Help With Photophobia and Migraines?

Therapeutic tinted contact lenses are custom-tinted with precision spectral filters that block specific wavelengths of irritating light (such as high-energy visible blue light and harsh fluorescent spikes) known to trigger trigeminal nerve sensitization and ocular migraines. By controlling the amount and spectrum of light entering the pupil, tinted lenses drastically reduce glare, ocular fatigue, and migraine frequency.

What Conditions Benefit From Therapeutic Tinted Contacts?

Therapeutic tinted contact lenses provide substantial relief for patients suffering from photophobia associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), aniridia, iris coloboma, ocular albinism, post-LASIK/RK glare, severe dry eye, corneal dystrophies, migraine visual aura, and specific color vision deficiencies.

Can Tinted Contacts Be Made as Scleral Lenses or Soft Lenses?

Yes. Depending on corneal health and prescription requirements, therapeutic tints can be incorporated into custom soft contact lenses, prosthetic iris lenses, or custom scleral lenses. Scleral lenses provide the added benefit of bathing the ocular surface in a continuous saline reservoir, which soothes the cornea and reduces ocular surface inflammation that worsens light sensitivity.

Migraines & Light Sensitivity

Optimizing Vision in Cases of Light Sensitivity & Migraines

Schedule Consultation Call / Text (704) 800-5230

Treating Migraines & Light Sensitivity with Specialty Contacts

Where Advanced Technology Meets Compassionate Care

Migraines and/or light sensitivity can be a debilitating condition for those who experience them, even if relatively infrequent. In cases of light sensitivity (which can cause migraines), you need a doctor who will take the time to evaluate all aspects of the situation, ask questions, and gain a true understanding of the overall cause. As an example, photophobia, or heightened sensitivity to light is often worse when you have an eye condition, but some people have more light sensitivity without any underlying medical conditions. Additionally, general inflammation (which causes swelling) in a patient’s eyes may affect light sensitivity.

Our doctors have experience successfully treating light sensitivity with specialty contacts. Therapeutic tinted contact lenses are one specific type of specialty contact lens which were specifically designed to treat light sensitivity. The Charlotte Contact Lens Institute features advanced technology, longer than normal exam slots, and one-on-one interaction with the doctor. Altogether, this type of office environment allows our doctors to provide the best possible outcome for patients with migraines and light sensitivity.

We utilize advanced and specialized technology which collects up to 240,000 unique data points in order to design a fully customized specialty contact lens. Therapeutic tinted contact lenses can be used for treating photophobia, color vision deficiency, visual stress and/or migraines, and healing from other corneal damage or eye injuries.

Doctor evaluating patient eye health for photophobia and light sensitivity

Specialty therapeutic tinted lens consultation for light sensitivity

Optimizing Vision for Individuals With Light Sensitivity

Eye Conditions Which Can Cause Light Sensitivity

Coloboma — A condition where the lower portion of some eye tissues is missing.
Ocular Albinism — When individuals are born with a lack of pigment in the iris and retina.
Ocular Trauma — Damage or surgical removal of iris tissue, resulting in excess light entering the eye.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) — Neurological disruption resulting in debilitating photophobia and migraines.
Aniridia — A congenital condition where the iris is completely or partially missing from birth.
Cataracts — Clouding of the crystalline lens inside the eye causing painful scatter and glare.
Macular Degeneration — Condition affecting the central retina responsible for detailed vision.
Inherited Retinal Dystrophies — Conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Corneal Dystrophies — Structural corneal layer changes causing haze and photophobia.
Glaucoma — High intraocular pressure causing optic nerve strain and sensitivity.
Keratoconus — Distortions in corneal shape, thickness, and light refraction.

What Are Therapeutic Tinted Contact Lenses Used For?

Therapeutic tinted contact lenses typically have a specific tint or hue and are prescribed by eye care professionals for therapeutic reasons, including:

Photophobia Relief
Tinted contact lenses help individuals who are sensitive to light by reducing the amount of light that enters the eye. The tint acts as a filter to make bright indoor and outdoor environments significantly more comfortable.
Color Vision Deficiency Enhancement
Certain tinted contact lenses are engineered to enhance color distinction and contrast perception for individuals with specific color vision deficiencies.
Visual Stress and Migraine Trigger Reduction
Precision-tinted lenses filter specific trigger wavelengths, reducing patterned glare and neurological strain that precipitate ocular migraines and headaches.
Therapeutic Healing & Corneal Protection
In cases of corneal damage, erosions, or post-surgical sensitivity, tinted contact lenses aid the healing process by reducing ocular surface strain and photophobic discomfort.

If you have any questions about therapeutic color contact lenses for treatment of migraines and/or light sensitivity, we are available for a free phone consultation and can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.

Why Choose the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute for
Options for Reducing Light Sensitivity?

Specialized Optical Solutions for Photophobia & Visual Comfort

The Team

The team at the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute are experts in correcting vision for patients where crisp vision has proven elusive. What some may call “difficult to fit” is our typical patient.

Advanced Technology

Our office is one of a few practices in the country that is equipped with the Pentacam AXL Wave and Optovue Solix OCT, which greatly aid in the design of complex custom specialty contacts.

Unlimited Answers

We allow for enough time for thorough comprehensive exams, and plenty of time for answering questions. No rushing in and out here.

We Focus on Unique Eyes

Our office is equipped to offer advanced specialty contact lenses to individuals who require tailored and custom-designed solutions.

Access to the Doctor

Our doctors are available to answer questions you have after your exam, and will make sure you have the information needed in order to ensure the best possible outcome.

Affordability

We keep our overhead costs low and offer very competitive prices as a result. We have monthly payment options available and also accept Cherry™, HSA, & FSA.

Doctor examining patient with light sensitivity and photophobia at slit lamp biomicroscope

Summary

Our doctors are nationally recognized for their expertise in utilizing specialty contact lenses, and one use of specialty contact lenses is the design of custom therapeutic tinted contact lenses. Our doctors have focused their career on the latest applications and options for fitting specialty contact lenses and they regularly present to other doctors at both local and national meetings.

There are options for managing vision in cases of light sensitivity or migraines, with the design of customized tinted contact lenses being a typical recommendation. During an initial comprehensive exam, the doctor will discuss all available options. One of the benefits of visiting the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute is the amount of one-on-one time with the doctor, which allows for plenty of time to ask questions and evaluate all options.

If you have questions on treatment options for light sensitivity or migraines, we can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.

Make an Appointment Call (704) 800-5230