If you’re living with epilepsy, you may be interested in options that could help limit seizure triggers. While anti-seizure medication is the main treatment for photosensitive epilepsy, there may also be other things you can do — including trying special eyewear called epilepsy or anti-seizure glasses.

“Has anyone ever heard of anti-seizure glasses before?” asked one member of MyEpilepsyTeam.

These glasses do exist. Researchers have studied several types of colored glasses for people whose brains react adversely to flashing lights or high-contrast patterns and who experience seizures triggered by them.

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Do Epilepsy Glasses Help Prevent Seizures?

Epilepsy glasses are specialized glasses that may reduce the risk of visually triggered seizures for some people with photosensitive epilepsy. They’re not likely to help people whose seizures aren’t triggered by lights, screens, or visual patterns.

Glasses also don’t guarantee seizure prevention. They’re best thought of as an add-on to prescribed treatment, trigger management, and a safety plan you create with your healthcare team.

How Epilepsy Glasses Work

Epilepsy glasses are usually designed to change the amount, color spectrum, polarization, or intensity of light before it reaches your retina, blunting the neural impact of sudden visual shifts. Dark lenses can reduce brightness, polarized lenses may reduce glare, and some colored lenses filter out parts of the light spectrum that may be more triggering for some people.

Some guidance also recommends covering one eye and turning away if you’re suddenly exposed to a possible visual trigger because light that reaches both eyes is more likely to trigger a seizure. Don’t close your eyes in front of a flashing trigger because that can create a flicker effect.

How Effective Are Epilepsy Glasses?

The effectiveness of epilepsy glasses depends on the type of glasses, the color and strength of the lens, and the person using them. Some lenses can reduce abnormal EEG responses to visual triggers, but that doesn’t mean they completely prevent seizures in everyday life.

A 2006 study looked at a deep blue lens called Z1 in 610 people with photosensitive epilepsy. The Z1 lenses made PPR disappear in about 76 percent of participants and reduced PPR in another 18 percent. These results describe only EEG responses, not the percentage of people whose seizures were prevented.

Some MyEpilepsyTeam members have had positive experiences with these lenses, too. One shared, “I had a friend (an optometrist) get his Zeiss representative to get me some goggles made with the Zeiss Z1, and so far I’m happy. … I’ve only been to one serious light show (strobes and all). I couldn’t look AT the strobes, but if I shaded my face with a ball cap or turned backward, I was fine. I lasted the whole show.”

Other research has been more limited. One older study of colored glasses found that 23 people reported benefits and were prescribed glasses. At follow-up, 13 of 17 people said they still used the lenses, but only three people had seizure reduction that could reasonably be linked to the glasses.

Another small study found that blue sunglasses reduced PPR during red flicker stimulation in six people tested.

Newer research supports a more individualized approach. In a preliminary study of 19 people, Z1 lenses showed the highest rates of PPR reduction or disappearance, but some newer blue lenses may be more tolerable for certain people.

Some MyEpilepsyTeam members have found that tinted glasses, regardless of color, improve their symptoms. As one said, “My glasses have a tint on them, which really has helped.”

Zeiss Z1 Blue Lenses

Zeiss Z1 F133 lenses are dark cobalt blue lenses that filter red light wavelengths and reduce overall brightness. Red light can be especially triggering for some people with photosensitive epilepsy, which may help explain why Z1 lenses have performed well in studies.

Still, Z1 lenses shouldn’t be considered the best option for everyone. Different people may find different colors and strengths helpful, so ask an epilepsy specialist or optometrist whether lens testing could help you choose the right lens specifications.

Z1 lenses are not suitable for driving because they block red light, making red or amber signals difficult to see. If you use any tinted or dark epilepsy glasses, ask your doctor or optometrist when and where they’re safe to wear.

Glasses for Concerts and Raves

Strobe lights at concerts, clubs, and raves can trigger seizures in some people with photosensitive epilepsy. Some people search for specialty rave glasses for epilepsy before going to these events, but glasses shouldn’t be your only safety step.

Glasses should be paired with venue inquiries and careful environmental positioning. Before a concert or rave, consider asking the venue whether strobe lights or flashing effects will be used. You might also plan where to stand, avoid looking directly at strobes, wear a brimmed hat, go with someone who knows your seizure first aid plan, and leave if the lighting feels unsafe.

How To Use Epilepsy Glasses

If you choose to try epilepsy glasses, remember that they aren’t designed to replace your epilepsy medication. Medication and avoiding seizure triggers are common ways to reduce photosensitive seizures, and glasses may be one extra tool.

Work with your healthcare team to decide on a protocol for when to wear them and how to monitor your symptoms. Some people may use glasses only around flashing lights, screens, or bright outdoor glare. Others may need a different plan.

Because glasses may not be completely protective, don’t ignore known triggers. Your doctor may ask you to track seizures or symptoms with and without glasses to see whether they’re making a meaningful difference and to bring these logs to the next medical review.

Talk to Your Doctor

If your epilepsy is triggered by screens, changes in lighting, or patterns, talk to your neurologist. Frequent seizures or seizure symptoms may mean that your treatment plan needs to be adjusted.

Your neurologist may also help you decide whether epilepsy glasses belong in your care plan. A healthcare professional can help you weigh possible benefits, safety concerns, cost, insurance coverage, and other ways to manage common seizure triggers.