“The migraine market is projected to grow steadily from $1.93 billion in 2024 to $1.97 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 2.2%. This growth is attributed to the rising prevalence of migraines, growing awareness of treatment options, government initiatives, increased alcohol consumption, and lifestyle changes” (The Business Research Company).
Understanding Photophobia in Migraine Patients
As an Eye Care Professional (ECP), you likely encounter patients struggling with migraines, many of whom experience photophobia—an extreme sensitivity to light. Traditional solutions like sunglasses or blue-light-filtering glasses provide partial relief but often fall short in addressing the full spectrum of visual discomfort. This presents an opportunity for ECPs to adopt more advanced, clinically supported solutions, such as ALTIUS® performance-tinted contact lenses.
ALTIUS® & Its Impact on Migraine Patients
A clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of ALTIUS® Grey-Green Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses for migraine sufferers with photophobia, revealing statistically significant improvements in light sensitivity, visual comfort, and daily function.
Key Findings from the ALTIUS® Migraine Study
Patient-Reported Symptom Improvements After One Month of ALTIUS® Wear:
- 80% reduction in light sensitivity severity during migraine attacks
- 80% relief when exposed to bright lights
- 77% decrease in light sensitivity’s impact on outdoor activities
- 84% increase in ability to engage in social activities
- 84% improvement in screen use during migraine episodes
The study confirmed that ALTIUS® effectively reduces visual discomfort triggered by light, enhances contrast sensitivity, and provides a non-invasive alternative to traditional migraine management strategies
The Unmet Need: Why Traditional Lenses Aren’t Enough
Patients with migraine-related photophobia often face:
- Light leakage: Traditional glasses allow unwanted light to enter from the sides.
- Compromised visual clarity: Tinted glasses may darken vision, but not optimize visual clarity.
- Limited activities: Glasses are often impractical in active environments.
For ECPs, addressing these gaps is crucial. Providing a solution that not only blocks harmful UV but also improves visual comfort and clarity can significantly enhance patient outcomes.
ALTIUS®: A Game-Changer for Migraine and Photophobia Management
ALTIUS is a single-use, soft-tinted contact lens engineered to filter light efficiently while maintaining optimal visual performance. Its core benefits include:
- Filters 100% of harmful UV and 99%+ of blue light up to 500nm: Reducing the wavelengths most commonly triggering photophobia.
- 360° Total tint immersion: Eliminating the light leakage issues found in glasses.
- Enhanced Visual Clarity: Minimizing chromatic aberration to sharpen vision.
- Daily Disposable Convenience: Offering a hygienic, hassle-free alternative to migraine glasses.
Why ECPs Should Integrate ALTIUS® into Migraine Care
- Differentiate your clinic by offering an innovative, non-invasive solution for photophobia.
- Providing effective relief means greater trust and long-term patient retention.
- As migraine care evolves, ALTIUS® positions you as a leader in specialized vision solutions.
How to Get Started
- Educate Your Patients – Incorporate migraine screening into your eye exams and discuss light sensitivity triggers.
- Stock ALTIUS® in Your Practice – Become an ALTIUS® Performance Center by creating an account with ABB Optical to start offering ALTIUS® lenses.
- Offer In-Office Wear Tests – Let patients experience the immediate relief ALTIUS® provides. We call it a “Wear Test”—once immersed in the tint, patients can truly see its potential.
- Stay Informed – Keep up with the latest in migraine care and vision performance by attending industry conferences like the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) and following our blog and social media channels.
The demand for clinically proven, migraine-friendly optical solutions is rapidly growing. ECPs who integrate ALTIUS® into their practice will not only deliver life-changing relief for light-sensitive patients but also establish themselves as leaders in advanced, patient-centered eye care.
💡 Interested in offering ALTIUS in your practice? Contact us today to learn more!
References:
https://www.openpr.com/news/3853093/key-influencer-in-the-migraine-market-2025-rising-prevalence
https://www.dropbox.com/previews/Medical%20Applications/NORA%202024/ALTIUS_MIGRAINE_FINDINGS.pdf?context=search&path=%2F&query=MIGRAINE&role=personal&typeahead_session_id=80722985932339578598622883073257
Are migraines or light sensitivity disrupting your daily life? In a recent article from Optometric Management, top optometrists share how ALTIUS Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses are transforming patient care by reducing migraine intensity and frequency.
These FDA-cleared lenses, developed by Performance Vision Technologies, are designed to filter 100% of ultraviolet rays and block over 99% of blue light. By reducing chromatic aberrations (visual noise) by 53%, the lenses offer migraine sufferers relief from light sensitivity, helping them perform everyday tasks more comfortably—including digital screen use. Available in both plano and corrective powers, ALTIUS lenses provide a practical, innovative solution for those experiencing debilitating headaches.
Real Success Stories From Leading Experts
- Sydney Madrigal, OD, MPH: After attending the 2024 Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS), Dr. Madrigal successfully fit a patient with Altius Grey-Green lenses, helping the patient achieve 20/20 vision from a 20/40 prescription while feeling significant symptom relief.
- Paola Diaz, OD: With six months of experience prescribing ALTIUS lenses at Lone Star Vision, Dr. Diaz has seen reduced migraine severity and fewer episodes reported by her patients.
- Heather Webster, OD: At the Weber Neuro-Ocular Institute, Dr. Webster’s patients report a 90% success rate in diminishing migraine symptoms, especially for those suffering from concussions or chronic migraines.
These lenses are not only changing lives but also offering new hope to those struggling with migraines and other light sensitivity conditions.
How Optometrists Determine Ideal Candidates
The article also covers how optometrists assess patients for ALTIUS lenses. From binocular vision exams to reviewing existing prescriptions, these professionals ensure a comprehensive approach. They refer undiagnosed patients with severe symptoms to their primary care providers but often prescribe Altius lenses to help reduce symptoms in the meantime.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore the full article in Optometric Management to dive deeper into the clinical insights and real patient success stories from leading optometrists:
Read the full article here
Stay ahead in eye care and discover how innovations like ALTIUS Performance-Tinted Contact Lenses are improving patient outcomes and redefining migraine treatment.
