Photosensitive Epilepsy
Epilepsy Glasses
Living with photosensitive epilepsy can mean scanning every room for flashing lights and planning your day around screens, sunlight and crowds. Epilepsy glasses give you a tool that goes everywhere you do.
Our Z Blue lenses are tinted to filter the light most likely to trigger a seizure, and they're backed by a study of 610 patients.
How They Work
How Z Blue Lenses Help
Z Blue is a deep cobalt blue tint. You may also see it called Z1 blue or NoIR 26. It helps in two ways:
- It cuts the overall brightness. Z Blue lets through about 19% of visible light, which softens flashes and flicker.
- It filters the wavelengths most linked to seizures. It blocks about 95% of light between 550 and 650 nm, toward the red end of the spectrum.
With less of that light reaching the eyes, flashing lights and bold patterns are less likely to set off the brain's photoparoxysmal response.
Not a blue light blocker
Despite the name, Z Blue doesn't block blue light. It lets blue light through, which is why the lens looks so blue. Its job is to filter the longer wavelengths that blue light blockers leave alone.
Z Blue's transmission curve: about 19% of visible light gets through.
The Research
What the Research Shows
In 2006, researchers at 12 epilepsy centers in Italy tested a Z1 blue lens on 610 children and adults with photosensitive epilepsy. Every patient had a known photoparoxysmal response. Wearing the lens, each one repeated a standard flashing-light test while an EEG recorded the brain's response.
75.9%
Response disappeared
463 of 610 patients
17.9%
Considerably reduced
109 of 610 patients
6.2%
No change
38 of 610 patients
Results held across ages, sexes and types of epilepsy, and whether or not patients were taking anti-seizure medication. The researchers concluded the lens could be a useful tool for anyone caring for patients with photosensitive epilepsy. Read the study
Glasses don't cure photosensitivity, but they can reduce its effect. They work best alongside medical care and good trigger habits.
Ways to Wear It
Fitovers, Clip-Ons and Prescription Lenses
However you think it can help, we can make it.
Fitovers
Slip them on over your current glasses when you walk into a bright store or a dark theater.
Shop Fitovers
Prescription Lenses
Z Blue tinted right into your prescription, so one pair does it all.
View the Z Blue TintFor Eye Care Professionals
Ordering Z Blue for Your Patients
Chadwick Optical's Z Blue tint is specially made to filter the wavelengths defined in the 2006 study. We can apply it to fitovers, clip-ons and most prescription lenses.
Want your patient to see the difference first? Our Tint Selection Kit lets them try filters before you order. You can also read about our tinting process or browse the full tint library.
Unsure if Z Blue would benefit your patient? Give us a shout. We'd love to help.
