How to Select Sunglasses as a Migraineur
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 do I make the most of my 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.
How does migraine still get in the way?
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.
How do I know which sunglasses to try?
As I looked into it more, here are the helpful tips I learned for selecting the best sunglasses when you have migraine:
What are the benefits of polaroid 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. Good news 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.
How can you get better coverage?
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 suffer from migraine triggered by light sensitivity. Larger lenses provide more coverage and help to block out more light. This can be especially helpful for those who suffer from migraine triggered by bright sunlight.
Which tints should you look for?
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.
Should you choose function over fashion?
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. 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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