Motion Sickness Glasses: Do They Really Work?

Motion Sickness Glasses

Anti-motion sickness glasses are specialised eyewear designed to alleviate symptoms associated with motion sickness. They work by providing visual cues that help the brain reconcile conflicting signals from the inner ear and eyes, ultimately reducing discomfort during travel or other motion-related activities.

Motion Sickness Glasses – How Does it Work?

The fluid inside the frames of these robust plastic glasses moves in time with the car's unceasing motion, producing a false balance and successfully mitigating motion-induced nausea and other discomforts that unfortunate people are prone to. The rounded shape at the nose and ears provides comfort for extended periods, allowing for wear of over five hours without discomfort.

Goggles like this help to level the playing field regarding motion sickness, which is caused by a disruption in the perception between the eyes and the brain. Additionally, the manufacturer asserts that they are effective against 95 per cent of the symptoms associated with motion sickness. The items are constructed from an adaptable yet resilient TPE material, enabling them to fit various head sizes and shapes without slipping off. Regarding storage, they have effortlessly been placed into a pocket of a backpack or purse without any concern about breaking, cutting or escaping.

Development of Motion Sickness Glasses

Hubert, the father of Jeannin, worked as an optician for a while before focussing on the issue of motion sickness and developing the glasses. In 2004, Hubert Jeannin secured a patent for his innovation and conducted tests of the Boarding Glasses prototypes with the French Navy. While the specific outcomes remain confidential, his son reports that the results were highly positive—approximately 95% of users found the glasses beneficial within 10 minutes. The company is now jointly managed by the father and son, with the father focussing on innovation while the son oversees business operations.

What is the Mechanism of Motion Sickness Glasses?

Motion sickness glasses alleviate symptoms by aligning the motion signals transmitted from the eyes to the brain with those sent from other body areas, including the inner ear. There is a decreased likelihood of an individual experiencing a result; the brain receives tunnel vision.

Research has also been conducted on glasses designed to limit peripheral vision as a potential solution for alleviating symptoms of motion sickness. This technology relies on the principle that a more limited field of vision may alleviate, and an individual's likelihood of experiencing symptoms decreases by minimising the number of conflicting signals transmitted from the eyes to the brain.

The researchers used PDLC, which stands for polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, to create a form of smart eyeglasses that would enable the wearer to hide their peripheral vision. According to a questionnaire for a study provided by the developers, these spectacles considerably reduced the symptoms of motion sickness. However, these eyeglasses are not yet available for purchase in the marketplace.

Liquid-filled Rimmed Glasses for Motion Sickness

These glasses are the most sought-after option for motion sickness available today. Motion sickness glasses are different from regular eyeglasses in that they are lens-free. Instead, there exists a specialised frame that contains liquid.

The liquid within the rims moves in response to the motion of the vehicle or boat. One's eyes perceive this motion and send a signal to the brain that aligns more closely with the cues from the rest of the body, including the inner ear.

According to the hypothesis that underpins these glasses, the brain receiving a more "harmonious" collection of impulses will lessen the symptoms of motion sickness. Typically, motion sickness glasses are designed with four rims to ensure that the cues from one's central and peripheral (side) vision are aligned. This allows the glasses to be the most effective. It is recommended that the glasses be worn for approximately ten minutes after the initial onset of motion sickness has been experienced.

What are the Causes of Motion Sickness in People?

The condition known as motion sickness arises from the conflicting sensory signals that the brain obtains from the body. The brain integrates motion signals from various body parts like inner ear, muscles, joints, and eyes and interprets them as movement.

Motion sickness can occur, for instance, when the inner ear transmits a signal indicating movement while the eyes send a contradictory signal suggesting stillness — as experienced when one is in a car or boat. Scientists do not yet know that this mismatch brings motion sickness symptoms; nonetheless, they know that contradictory signals from the various body areas cause the symptoms. Specific individuals are more prone to experiencing motion sickness than others. It is believed to occur more frequently among women, children, those who experience migraine headaches, and individuals of Asian descent. It has been observed that motion sickness can be hereditary. A study indicated that when either parent reported experiencing car sickness during childhood, the likelihood of their child suffering from it was doubled compared to situations where neither parent had such experiences in their youth.

Which Medications are Effective in Preventing Motion Sickness?

Medications are available without a prescription that might help prevent symptoms associated with motion sickness.

1.  Antihistamines for motion sickness

An antihistamine may be taken for allergies, but it can prevent nausea while travelling and ease signs and symptoms. Dimenhydrinate is an example of an antihistamine that can stop motion sickness. It is important to choose an antihistamine that induces sleepiness. Formulas that do not cause drowsiness will not assist in motion sickness.

2.  Apply a scopolamine patch.

 One can also use a scopolamine patch for motion sickness. Scopolamine requires a doctor's prescription. It is typically delivered via a patch placed on the skin behind the ear. A review of clinical studies indicates that this medication has effectively prevented seasickness. It is recommended that the patch be applied four to eight hours before the planned travel time.

It is advised against for individuals under the age of 10 or for older people. Additionally, scopolamine comes as an injectable, tablet, and nasal spray which is easy to use.

Other ways to address symptoms of motion sickness

While it might not be possible to eliminate motion sickness symptoms entirely, the following suggestions could assist in improving one's comfort:

1. Take a moment to enjoy the outdoors: When someone is in a vehicle, they should roll their window down. When one is in a plane, it is advisable to direct the air vents to blow cool air towards oneself.
2. Redirecting one's gaze is essential: When reading, it is advisable to set aside books, phones, or tablets and focus on distant objects or the horizon.
3. Lie down: They should adjust their seat to recline and then close their eyes.
4. Enjoy a beverage: Consuming ginger tea or ginger ale might help to calm one's stomach.
5. Consider indulging in a delightful treat: Peppermint or ginger candies might help improve one's well-being.
6. Think about wristbands or eyewear for motion sickness: Although no published medical research demonstrates the effectiveness of special glasses or bracelets, specific individuals report that these items help alleviate their symptoms.
7. Take a short break time: If one is engaged in video or virtual reality games and begins to feel sick or experiences symptoms of virtual motion sickness, stepping away from the game is recommended.

What are the Advantages Of Motion Sickness Glasses?

Following are the advantages of motion sickness glasses

1. They prevented any feelings of nausea from arising while reading in the car.
2. They do not need to be used for extended durations to be effective.
3. They come within a reasonable pricing range.
4. It comes with a zip pouch.

What are the Disadvantages Of Motion Sickness Glasses?

 Motion sickness glasses also have some disadvantages. It is essential to consider these factors before making a purchase.

1. After one hour of use, the glasses became uncomfortable.
2. They are not available in various sizes.

Do Anti-Motion Sickness Glasses Actually Work?

Anecdotal evidence supports their usage. Numerous buyers found themselves chuckling at the quirky look of these glasses, yet their effectiveness took them aback after giving them a try. Nevertheless, motion sickness glasses might not be a surefire solution for everyone. Certain reviews indicated they offered only mild relief for nausea symptoms, while others asserted, they were ineffective. However, for those who often deal with motion sickness, it may be beneficial to take preventive measures against nausea before the initial symptoms appear.

Conclusion

For those who often feel dizzy while studying in the car or who feel nauseous at the thought of a road trip, it may be wise to consider purchasing a pair of anti-motion sickness glasses. Across various social media platforms, numerous users have expressed their enthusiasm about the effectiveness of these products.

For those seeking relief from travel troubles, try these glasses. It is important to remember that they might not be required in every circumstance. However, when even shutting one’s, eyes prove ineffective during those extended car journeys, specialised glasses designed to combat motion discomfort may provide a solution.