What is your role at TheraSpecs?
My name is Greg Bullock and I am the Director of Marketing at TheraSpecs. The core part of my job is to help find people who have light sensitivity, introduce them to TheraSpecs glasses, and show them how they can provide protection and relief for their symptoms.
What are TheraSpecs?
TheraSpecs are stylish and therapeutic glasses for people with light sensitivity caused by migraines, post-concussion syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and other light-sensitive conditions.
What makes our glasses special is the precision tint we use to filter wavelengths of light proven to trigger the symptoms of these conditions.
The tint in our glasses is great for protection against fluorescent lighting, LEDs, screen light from devices, as well as other artificial sources. Our outdoor lenses use the same tint as our indoor lenses but are applied on a dark and polarized lens. They look like traditional sunglasses but have the added protection of our light filtration. We also offer prescription glasses, custom frames, and other customized relief.
Can you explain the tint used in TheraSpecs?
The tint in the Theraspecs glasses has been around for decades. This tint has been extensively studied and is referred to as FL-41, which speaks to the specific filtration properties of the lens. Our lenses filter the spectrum of light that causes the most pain and other symptoms for people with light sensitivity. It has mainly been studied in people with migraines, but more evidence suggests it helps people with post-concussion syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and photosensitive epilepsy, among other conditions.
How was the efficacy of the tint tested?
The main studies that demonstrated the efficacy of the tint were conducted before TheraSpecs was created. In 1991 and in more recent studies from 2006, 2009, 2010, scientists have studied how this tint worked and helped people with migraines.
The 1991 study is the landmark study for the FL-41 tint which showed that 74% of people had a reduction in migraine attacks and migraine-related symptoms. After observing the positive effect the tint had in people with migraines, studies have looked at how our tint could help people with other conditions like blepharospasm (an ocular disorder), and fluorescent light sensitivity.
How are TheraSpecs different from blue light glasses?
We filter about 80% of the wavelengths of blue light between 480 nanometers and 520 nanometers which represents up to 25 times more than other typical “blue light glasses”. This simply shows that other brands of glasses generally don’t emphasize the spectrum of light we choose to focus on.
How are TheraSpecs different from sunglasses?
People with chronic light sensitivity understandably turn to anything that provides relief. This usually includes staying in a dark room or wearing sunglasses indoors. When people wear sunglasses as a preventative measure for an extended period of time, their sensitivity to light can worsen.
I use the analogy of going into a darkened movie theater. You go in to see a movie, and two hours later when you leave the theatre, everything feels extra bright. You feel like the light is blinding you, and after a few seconds or a few minutes, your eyes adapt to the light. This is an example of when you are in a darkened space for only a short amount of time. If you’re in that “darkened space” or wearing sunglasses for long periods of time, your eyes eventually adapt, and that becomes the “new normal” for you.
TheraSpecs only focus on the spectrum of light that causes pain and discomfort, making our indoor lenses much lighter than typical sunglasses. That means they can be worn comfortably indoors without the risk of dark adaptation that can happen over time.
We also pride ourselves on carrying an extensive line of lightweight frames. This feature is specifically for people with a concussion or migraines who find that added weight or pressure on their faces is a trigger for their migraines. We don’t want to add unnecessary weight and counteract the effect of having eye protection, by triggering a headache when wearing the glasses.
Can you explain how the peripheral protection technology in TheraSpecs works?
People with light sensitivity find direct light to be painful along with the light that indirectly hits their eyes.
We’ve all probably had that experience when you’re driving. There’s a gnarly reflection off a car, and it hits you right in the side of your eyes and we all feel that pain. Imagine having an underlying condition that increases your sensitivity to that light.
To rectify this issue, we have specific frame styles that provide peripheral protection to prevent light from getting in through the top or sides of their eyes. We recognize that not everyone is in need of this peripheral protection, and have added more fashionable or stylish frame styles that do not have this encompassing feature but still provide incredible protection against direct light.
Is there anyone TheraSpecs is less likely to work for?
Each person who tries our glasses has varied responses based on their circumstances. It could be because their light sensitivity is not triggered by the spectrum of light we target, or they could have a different manifestation of their condition. For instance, people with migraines, or post-concussion syndrome, have a variety of triggers and different symptoms. They have different experiences, not just from patient to patient, but from attack to attack. A person might experience smell sensitivity, or sound sensitivity in one attack and experience completely different symptoms in the next one. There are numerous physiological aspects that can affect the outcome with our glasses, which explains why some people don’t respond in the same way that others do. With that said, about 90% of people who try our glasses find at least some level of relief.
The most important thing I can stress is that people who believe that TheraSpecs will be a “cure-all” for their condition, are likely to feel unsatisfied about the result. Currently, there is no cure for migraine, post-concussion syndrome, and concussions. Every brain is different and our focus is on people who have chronic or intense light sensitivity. But even though our lenses are unlikely to eliminate all issues, they can still absolutely provide significant improvements in light-triggered symptoms and attacks.
What would you tell someone who is hesitant about using TheraSpecs?
The most important thing I can stress is not to give up. When you talk about chronic conditions – migraines, traumatic brain injuries, photosensitive epilepsy, or conditions that the people have had their entire lives – it’s understandable to feel jaded about another product that claims to help especially when you’ve tried a multitude of different treatments and have been previously disappointed.
TheraSpecs is supported not just by the research that proves the efficacy of our lenses, but also the support and care of our team. It is why we have a 60-day return policy on all of our products. We want you to try them. We know it takes time to adjust to any new therapy and we want to give you the chance to see if it works for you. Our hope is that you find immediate relief but also know it will build over time. We want to give you that opportunity and then help you if you have questions or concerns. You’re not just getting a pair of glasses; you’re getting our entire team, who truly wants to help you find relief.
To learn more visit their website: https://www.theraspecs.com/