On June 21, 2024, we share shades for migraine as a global awareness campaign asking everyone to wear a pair of sunglasses to show their support for the one billion people living with migraine disease worldwide. Did you know that more than four million people are suffering from chronic migraines? So, the awareness campaign was observed on June 21st to raise awareness about migraines, a neurological condition characterized by intense headaches often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound.
HISTORY OF SHADES FOR MIGRAINE
In 2017, the Association of Migraine Disorders created a social media campaign. This is one of the most creative ways to create a viral buzz it is about a disease that affects over one billion people the world over.
Similarly, sunglasses represent photophobia or extreme sensitivity to light, a migraine symptom. Since the Shades for Migraine started on June 21, every year people living with migraine disease along with their families, friends, and co-workers, post pictures on social media wearing sunglasses. As per the organizer announcement every year the campaign program is over growing.
Similarly year 2019, the Shades for Migraine team gathered in Times Square, New York City, handing out sunglasses, educating people about migraines, and encouraging those living with migraines to share their experiences in a new initiative called “Taking it to the Streets.”
Migraine
Migraine is more than just a headache, a complex neurological disease, and headache is one of its common symptoms. Migraine is another common symptom which is sensitivity to light or photophobia, some other symptoms include irritability, sensitivity to sound, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Mainly migraines, Triggers can be stress, hormonal changes, irregular sleep schedules or changes in sleep routines, caffeine and alcohol, and changes in the weather.
| 1934 (Photophobia Defined) | James E. Lebensohn describes and defines photophobia as “exposure of the eye to light induces or exacerbates pain.” |
| 2017 (Shades for Migraine) | The Shades for Migraine campaign is created by the Association of Migraine Disorders (A.M.D.). |
| 2019 (Taking it to the Streets) | The Shades for Migraine team gathers in Times Square, New York City. |
| 2020 (The Spread) | 44 countries participated in the Shades for Migraine campaign. |
- It’s common in people with mental disorders: Those who are suffering from mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are prone to having photophobia.
- It’s different from photosensitivity: Photosensitivity is different from photophobia; photosensitivity is heightened skin sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- There is no medication for it: The important measure for this symptom is treating the main disease, whether a migraine or dry eyes.
- Avoiding light makes it worse: Wearing sunglasses is a short-term option for photophobia because avoiding light regularly can make it worse.
- It can be long-term: For people with a chronic condition, photophobia can remain for years.
FAQs
How can wearing shades help during a migraine attack?
Sunglasses with specific features such as tinted lenses can help reduce the intensity of light entering the eyes, potentially providing relief to migraine sufferers who are sensitive to bright light.
What types of sunglasses are best for migraines?
However, Sunglasses with tinted lenses (e.g., rose-coloured or pink-tinted) that filter out harsh light without darkening surroundings too much are often recommended.
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