Video Transcript:
One of the biggest problems in medical is the reductionist approach to the body. We have foot doctors, heart doctors, lung doctors – specialists for every part. And what I find particularly striking with eye care is that we have cornea specialists and retina specialists. Essentially, we've divided the eye into front and back, which is baffling because, ultimately, we're whole human beings.
All of our systems are interconnected. And what's especially interesting is that roughly two-thirds of the information our brains receive comes through our eyes. That's right, that three-pound organ of ours gets most of its input through our vision. This means that anything we place in front of our eyes acts as a filter, shaping the data our brains process. This presents a significant opportunity to modify that incoming data in beneficial ways.
Take epilepsy, specifically photosensitive epilepsy. There's a disruption, a sort of crossed wiring, where bright lights or excessive flicker can trigger seizures. Traditionally, the medical response involves brain surgery, potent medications, and other interventions to suppress seizures. These treatments often come with severe side effects. For example, a hemispherectomy, where the brain is surgically divided, is sometimes performed to prevent seizures caused by communication between the hemispheres.
These procedures are undeniably drastic. Similarly, in ophthalmology, muscle surgery is performed to correct amblyopia or "lazy eye" for cosmetic reasons. We're essentially making significant alterations to complex systems without fully understanding the long-term consequences. This raises concerns about our respect for and awareness of potential side effects. But let's return to epilepsy.
The human eye can perceive wavelengths from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers. Research has identified that light in the spectrum around 610 nanometers is a significant trigger for photosensitive epilepsy. Therefore, by filtering out or significantly reducing this wavelength, we can substantially alleviate the symptoms of photosensitive epilepsy.
A 2006 study involving 610 patients demonstrated that 96% of them benefited from lenses that significantly reduced the 610-nanometer wavelength. The beauty of this approach lies in its minimal side effects. If the glasses don't work, you simply remove them. Compare that to the recovery and potential complications associated with surgery or medication.
This isn't to say you should stop taking your medication or avoid necessary surgery. Rather, it's about exploring an option that may offer significant benefits with minimal drawbacks. Often, doctors don't consider this approach because it's outside their conventional treatment repertoire. Ironically, ophthalmologists rarely consider lens filters as a solution beyond improving visual clarity.
Their primary tools are surgeries, pills, and ointments. Similarly, neurologists, who often treat epilepsy, focus on the brain and may overlook the impact of visual input. Yet, the evidence is compelling: 96% efficacy in a large study. It's rare to find a treatment with such a high success rate.
We at Chadwick are not medical doctors, but we are opticians dedicated to helping patients. We often find that standard medical care falls short, leaving patients underserved. So, we research alternative solutions, even those outside traditional treatments. We believe that just because a treatment is covered by insurance doesn't guarantee its effectiveness.
When considering blue light glasses, it's crucial to understand that the aforementioned study focused on a specific wavelength. A generic pair of sunglasses or blue-tinted glasses may not target that precise frequency.
The Z blue lens we produce at Chadwick is specifically calibrated to filter the 610-nanometer wavelength. If you're researching lenses to help with photosensitive epilepsy, look for lenses designed to replicate the study's findings.
While any blue lens might offer some benefit, it's a gamble. Every brain is unique. However, starting with a lens backed by scientific research is the most logical approach.