Can Motion Sickness Glasses Really Help You Feel Better?

If you’ve ever felt that unsettling lurch in your stomach, the cold sweat, or the urge to vomit while traveling, you’ve likely experienced motion sickness. It’s a common issue that can turn exciting journeys into miserable ordeals. Millions of people, from car passengers to cruise ship travelers, are affected by this condition. According to clinical evidence, between 25 and 60 percent of passengers on cruise ships experience motion sickness. Similarly, about one in three people traveling by other means have also felt its effects. The good news is that relief might be closer than you think, and it might even come in the form of a pair of glasses.

What Exactly is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness occurs when there’s a conflict between the signals your brain receives. Your eyes might tell your brain you’re stationary, while your inner ear’s balance system (the vestibular system) signals that you’re moving. This sensory mismatch confuses your brain, triggering a stress response that leads to the familiar symptoms. Think about being in a car. Your eyes see the interior of the car, suggesting you’re still. But your inner ear feels the bumps, turns, and acceleration, indicating movement. This disconnect is the root cause of the queasiness.

Common Symptoms of Motion Sickness

The signs of motion sickness can vary from mild discomfort to severe distress. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Cold sweats
• Headaches
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Increased salivation
• Pale skin
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling generally unwell (malaise)

In some instances, your vision might even blur, or you might feel exceptionally sleepy. These symptoms can appear suddenly and intensify quickly, making it hard to enjoy your travel.

Introducing Motion Sickness Glasses: A New Approach

In recent years, innovative eyewear designed specifically to combat motion sickness has emerged. Marketed under names like Boarding Glasses and Seetroën, these glasses aim to resolve the sensory conflict that causes motion sickness. They work by creating an artificial horizon that syncs up the visual information with the signals from your inner ear.

How Do They Work? The Science Behind the Glasses

There are a couple of main types of motion sickness glasses:

1. Liquid-Filled Rim Glasses: These glasses feature frames with circular rims, two in the front and one on each side. These rims are filled with a brightly colored liquid, typically blue or red. The liquid inside these rims moves with your body's motion, creating a visual reference point – a sort of artificial horizon. This helps your brain reconcile the visual input with the sensations of movement, thereby reducing the sensory conflict. The idea is that by providing a stable visual cue, the glasses trick your brain into thinking it's experiencing a more stable environment, even when your body is in motion.
2. Strobing Light Glasses: Another type of anti-motion sickness eyewear, such as Xpand glasses, uses battery-operated technology. These glasses embed strobing LED lights within the lenses. These flashing lights are designed to stimulate the visual cortex in a way that helps to rebalance the conflicting sensory inputs between your eyes and your vestibular system. The rapid flashing is intended to create a visual rhythm that overrides the confusing motion signals.

Effectiveness: What Does the Evidence Say?

The claims surrounding motion sickness glasses are impressive. Some manufacturers, like Citroën, state that their glasses have cured up to 95 percent of motion sickness cases in initial tests. However, it's important to note that at present, there isn’t extensive, peer-reviewed published research to independently verify these specific high success rates. While anecdotal evidence and initial studies suggest promise, more robust scientific validation is needed.

One interesting finding comes from a 1998 study involving prism glasses. Researchers observed that children, who are often highly susceptible to motion sickness, experienced significantly less sickness and vomiting when wearing these glasses. Their symptoms returned once they removed the glasses, indicating a direct effect of the eyewear.

A Real-Life Scenario: Imagine Sarah, who loves to travel but dreads car rides because she always gets motion sick. She decides to try a pair of liquid-filled motion sickness glasses on her next long drive. Within 15 minutes of putting them on, she notices her nausea subsiding and can finally enjoy the scenery without feeling unwell.

Who Should Use Motion Sickness Glasses and Who Should Be Cautious?

These glasses can be a great option for anyone who suffers from motion sickness, especially those who prefer non-medicinal remedies. They are particularly useful for travel by car, boat, plane, or even for amusement park rides.

However, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid specific types of these glasses:

• Strobing Light Glasses (like Xpand): These are not recommended for individuals with epilepsy or a history of seizures, photosensitive epilepsy, or certain neurological conditions. The strobing effect can potentially trigger seizures in susceptible individuals. People taking certain medications, including quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin), mood stabilizers (like bupropion), or antipsychotics (like haloperidol), should also consult their doctor before using strobing glasses, as interactions are possible.
• Children and Older Adults: While one study showed promise for children, some manufacturers don't recommend their glasses for very young children. Similarly, older adults might need to consult a doctor, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Always read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings carefully before use.

When to Consult a Doctor

While motion sickness glasses can be a helpful tool, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult a doctor if:

• Your motion sickness is severe and significantly impacts your quality of life.
• You experience motion sickness frequently, even in mild situations.
• You are considering medication for motion sickness and want to understand the risks and benefits.
• You have underlying health conditions that might be exacerbated by motion sickness or its treatments.
• You are unsure if motion sickness glasses are suitable for you or your child.

Other Ways to Manage Motion Sickness

If glasses aren't your preferred solution, or if you want to complement their use, several other strategies can help:

• Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications like antihistamines (e.g., dimenhydrinate, meclizine) and scopolamine patches are effective. Take medications 30 to 60 minutes before travel. Scopolamine patches should be applied 4 to 8 hours before your trip. Note that medications can have side effects and aren't suitable for everyone; consult your doctor.
• Acupressure: Applying pressure to the P6 point on the inner wrist is a popular complementary therapy that helps some individuals. Sea-Bands or similar wristbands apply continuous pressure to this point.
• Vitamin C: Some research suggests Vitamin C may help reduce seasickness symptoms.
• Behavioral Techniques: Focusing on the horizon, avoiding reading or looking at screens, ensuring good ventilation, and staying hydrated can make a difference.
• Ginger: Ginger in various forms (candies, capsules, tea) is often used as a natural remedy for nausea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are motion sickness glasses a guaranteed cure?

While many users report significant relief, they are not a guaranteed cure for everyone. Their effectiveness can vary from person to person.

How quickly do motion sickness glasses work?

Manufacturers often suggest wearing them for about 10 minutes at the first sign of symptoms. Many users report feeling relief within this timeframe.

Can children use motion sickness glasses?

Some types are suitable for children, but always check the manufacturer's age recommendations and consult a pediatrician if you have concerns.

Where can I buy motion sickness glasses?

You can find them online from various retailers. Brands like Seetroën and Xpand are available through their respective websites or major online marketplaces.

Are there any side effects from wearing motion sickness glasses?

The liquid-filled glasses generally have no significant side effects. However, strobing light glasses may not be suitable for individuals with epilepsy or those taking specific medications. Always review the product's warnings.