A groundbreaking innovation in epilepsy management is offering new hope for individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. Researchers from the University of Glasgow and the University of Birmingham have developed a pair of advanced glasses that can shield users from light wavelengths known to trigger seizures. This breakthrough could enhance the safety of epilepsy patients during everyday activities like watching television, using computers, or enjoying entertainment.
The revolutionary glasses feature liquid crystal lenses capable of blocking harmful light frequencies, with a particular focus on the 660-720nm wavelength range, which is most likely to provoke seizures in photosensitive individuals. The lenses’ ability to filter out these wavelengths has been shown to reduce the risk of seizures, offering a new layer of protection.
The new glasses utilize a clever mechanism that responds to small temperature changes. A circuit embedded in the frame of the glasses activates the lenses, causing them to heat up to a comfortable temperature for the wearer. At this optimal temperature, the lenses filter out more than 98% of light in the seizure-triggering wavelength range. This novel technology, detailed in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, is seen as a major advancement in seizure prevention for those with photosensitive epilepsy.
“This is a hugely exciting project that felt like science fiction when we first started four years ago,” said Zubair Ahmed, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham and co-author of the study. “This paper demonstrates the potential for the use of liquid crystal lenses that can be modulated to block specific wavelengths of light, offering real-life benefits for patients.”
The glasses are powered by a discreet circuit within the frame, making them convenient and easy to use. The system allows the lenses to respond automatically when exposed to light likely to trigger seizures. This innovation could be particularly useful in environments where exposure to certain light frequencies is common, such as in front of television screens or computer monitors. The glasses’ ability to selectively block harmful light could offer an unprecedented level of control for epilepsy patients during activities that were previously riskier.
“This project shows how collaboration between engineering, neuroscience, and mathematics can lead to groundbreaking discoveries that transform the lives of patients affected by epilepsy,” said Rami Ghannam, Professor of Electronics at the University of Glasgow and lead author of the study.
Although the prototype has already demonstrated promising results, the research team is focused on further refining the technology before advancing to human clinical trials. The current version of the glasses functions well in room temperatures of up to 26°C, but future improvements will be needed to make the glasses suitable for hotter environments, where the lenses might not yet perform optimally. The researchers also plan to reduce the time it takes for the lenses to heat up and cool down, further enhancing the user experience.
“We are now developing this prototype further to improve its performance before we take it into human studies,” said Professor Ahmed. “This technology has the potential to make a significant difference in the quality of life for people with photosensitive epilepsy, and we are excited about its future applications.”
As the team continues to fine-tune the glasses, there is optimism that this breakthrough will soon offer a safe and practical solution for those affected by light-induced seizures, making everyday activities much more accessible and enjoyable.
By Impact Lab