Eqilens – Headache and Migraine

The classification and diagnostic criteria for headache disorders, cranial neuralgias, and facial pain suggests that for around 32–40% of migraines cases light sensitivity is closely associated with the condition (Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society, 1988).

Client experiences

Jackie – MA Visual Communication

Before: I needed so much extra help, after reading a couple of pages I was done, and I couldn’t concentrate for very long. When I went in the room for MA students I was almost blinded, it’s a small room with bright freshly painted walls. It was literally a shock to the eyes for me. If I were to go into that room I would wear a sunhat. It’s worse this time of the year when the sun is lower in the sky. I suffer from SAD so really, I shouldn’t keep out of the sun, but it is a Catch 22; if I can get into the sun my health is better, but I need to keep my eyes protected. I don’t get migraines but a tension pain across my forehead and shoulders, pains in the eye is like a sudden jab. I have dropped out and deferred my MA course. I broke down in the Photoshop class, as everything was wobbling on the screen and I couldn’t get anything down. I knew I was dyslexic at school, they had just discovered the word. I got stuck in a special class, where our teacher was Mr Forwards and they called us Mr Backwards class. My English teacher said my imagination was amazing, but intelligence didn’t match the way I was writing it down. So, I got labouring and cleaning jobs. Then my daughter came here and got a First and I discovered how much things have changed, and I thought why not ‘go for it.

With Eqilens filters: The new glasses have greatly improved my ability to read books and do screen work indoors or at home and even on white pages. I still squint in strong sunlight and strip lights. The low string sunlight is still inescapable along with the strip lighting. I will take that up with the University over the studio lighting and wear peaked caps if they might help. But the stress response is greatly reduced. I can cope for slightly longer periods of time in those situations. It’s so nice to be able to read at least a chapter of a book in one go before a headache threatens or I lose concentration. I’m enjoying reading for pleasure at home. I’d not thought of reading as an enjoyable pastime ever before. I am now looking forward to restarting my MA in September.

Melanie Fine Art – Year 2

Before: School was alright, as I had extra time during exams, but now I struggle. I get quite a lot of migraines, stress is the trigger. Reading? I lose concentration quickly, as early as after two and a half minutes, I get overwhelmed and cry reading and looking for detail to reference. I have to stop reading entirely because it really hurts, and I can’t even leave my eyes open, as they have to be shut. If I am in a gallery that I can stare and concentrate for ten minutes before losing myself.

With Eqilens filters: When I get headaches, they can be quite severe. In certain lightings that depends on the pain tolerance, which in most cases is high on the pain scale, the headaches will continue even after taking painkillers and I can’t even manage to open my eyes even after 10 minutes of not using them at all. The headaches still occur, but the pain has decreased considerably.

 

(verbatim accounts from Eqilens client).