Oct 9, 2025

Migraine is a tricky beast to manage. In Australia, approximately 4.9 million people (18.9%) suffer from migraines, making it one of the most common neurological disorders in the country. Beyond the personal discomfort, migraines carry a significant societal cost — with an estimated $35.7 billion per year in health and economic impacts, including $16.3 billion in lost productivity (Headache Australia).

Migraines are complex and often triggered by a combination of factors. They can be episodic, occurring less than 15 days a month, or chronic, in which sufferers experience 15 or more headache days per month for over three months, with at least eight of those days involving migraine features (ICHD-3 classification).

But did you know that vision is often a key piece of the migraine puzzle?

Vision Is a Way In

Visual problems can act as triggers, while visual disturbances can be symptoms of migraine itself — sometimes even without head pain. That’s why managing visual input can play a vital role in managing migraine. From light sensitivity to visual motion issues, the eyes and brain are tightly linked in migraine pathways.

This is where neuro-optometric vision care comes in. It’s an essential but often overlooked part of holistic migraine management.

We Understand — Because We've Been There

At Vision One Eyecare, our optometrists bring not just professional expertise — but personal experience. We’ve lived with migraine ourselves, and we deeply understand the life-altering burden it can carry.

That’s why we’re especially passionate about helping patients who suffer from:

· Classic migraines with pain

· Silent migraines that present with visual disturbances

· Vestibular migraines involving dizziness, unsteadiness, and visual motion sensitivity

We want you to know: you are not alone, and there are effective, non-drug strategies to help manage the visual and vestibular symptoms of migraine. It starts with the right kind of assessment and support.

What to Expect at Your Neuro-Optometric Assessment

Our team at Vision One Eyecare has undertaken advanced training in neuro-optometric vision care. During your consultation, we go beyond a routine eye test. We assess:

• Eye teaming and focusing skills
• Eye movements and tracking
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Visual motion sensitivity
• Visual integration with balance and spatial systems
• Work/screen environment triggers
• Depending on your individual needs, we may recommend one or more of the following tools:
• Prescription or prism lenses
• Chromatic filter lenses
• Avulux lenses (see below)
• Vision therapy exercises
• Ergonomic and lighting adjustments

Avulux Lenses: A Non-Drug Approach to Light Sensitivity As recommended by Migraine Australia, Avulux lenses are a scientifically engineered solution for people who experience light-triggered migraines.

These are not just tinted lenses — they use patented multi-band light-filtering technology that blocks harmful blue, amber, and red wavelengths while allowing soothing green light through.

🕶 Key Features of Avulux:

· Targeted Light Filtering: Filters specific wavelengths linked to migraine pain

· Non-Drug Management: No side effects or medication interactions

· Wearable Daily: Available in prescription or non-prescription formats

· Clinically Validated: Research supports their effectiveness in reducing photophobia and migraine severity

👤 Who Benefits:

· People with chronic migraine

· Those with light sensitivity

· Individuals triggered by screens or bright lighting

Chromatic Filter Lenses: Tailored Light Management

Chromatic filter lenses are another option to help manage visual triggers. These lenses are designed to selectively filter certain wavelengths of light, especially in the blue and amber spectrum, which are known to aggravate symptoms like photophobia, headaches, and visual motion discomfort.

🌈 Cerium Tints

Developed in the UK, Cerium lenses are custom-tinted based on individual testing using the Intuitive Colorimeter. These lenses are commonly used to treat:

· Visual stress and sensory overload

· Migraine

· Reading and learning difficulties

· Autism spectrum-related sensitivities

Each lens tint is uniquely matched to a patient’s neurological response to color, making them a personalized solution.

🛡 Chadwick Optical Polytrauma Tints

Chadwick Optical in the U.S. has developed specialized filters for patients with traumatic brain injury, concussion, or vestibular migraine. Their Polytrauma tints are used in:

· Veterans' health systems

· Brain injury rehab centers

· Patients with photophobia, visual motion sensitivity, and post-concussion syndrome

Tint options FL41 can be chosen based on a patient’s specific light sensitivity profile.

Why Vision-Based Migraine Care Matters

Visual triggers are real — and for many migraine sufferers, they’re a major contributor. Whether it’s flickering fluorescent lights, long hours of screen time, or even reading text, your visual system can set off a migraine cascade.

By identifying and addressing visual dysfunction, we can help:

· Reduce frequency and intensity of migraine episodes

· Minimize light and motion sensitivity

· Improve your comfort, clarity, and confidence in daily life

You Are Not Alone — And There Is Help

Migraines can be isolating and invisible, especially when pain isn’t the main symptom. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Vision One Eyecare, we bring together lived experience, clinical expertise, and modern tools to help you take control.

If you experience migraines — with pain, visual symptoms, dizziness, or all of the above — reach out. We’re here to help you see more clearly and live more comfortably.

👉 Book your neuro-optometric assessment today Visit visiononeeyecare.com.au or drop in to chat with our friendly team.